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CROCODOPOLIS world of crocodilians TM SCIENCE · CULTURE · INDUSTRY · NEWS · COMMUNICATION · CONSERVATION
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NEWS
THE CROC PRESS
Regular coverage of crocodilians and people in headlines worldwide.
By Wes von Papineäu News Page Editor Email: crocnews@crocodopolis.net _________________________________________________
Week of 18 February 07
24
February 07 Call for cull as crocs swarm
Australian
authorities are under mounting pressure to limit crocodile populations
in the north as they haunt beaches, boat ramps and swimming holes (the
crocs, not the politicians). While urban development has been blamed for encroaching on the animals' natural territory, many believe the shooting ban 32 years ago has caused the over-population.
Queensland
Liberal Senator Ian Macdonald declared "I'm a great
conservationist, but when it comes to people's lives as opposed to an
explosion in crocodile population then I will always pick people's
lives." Macdonald is a supporter for the overturn of a 32-year old
shooting ban. (Again meaning of the crocs, not the politicians).
Independent
Federal MP Bob Katter had his own take on the situation, declaring:
"Action needs to be taken to cull them and push them out of
settled areas. Shoot the bastards. The rules are being made by people in
concrete pleasure domes in Brisbane and Canberra. The people who tell us
we can't shoot them would die of fright if they saw one."
22 February 07 Killer smile charms visitors to marina
Australian reporting discusses (and photographs) a six ft/two m crocodile that is attracting a lot of local attention to the Mackay marina. Apparently the locals are feeding him and his continued presence is of some concern to the Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.dailymercury.com.au/localnews/storydisplay.cfm?storyid=372292 0&thesection=localnews&thesubsection=&thesecondsubsection=
21 February 07 Croc trouble
Australian politicians are demanding an immediate review of Queensland's crocodile management plan in order to "save North Queenslanders from the man-eaters". Hinchinbrook MP Andrew Cripps and Mayor Pino Giandomenico said recent sightings at the Townville's boat ramps and premier swimming beach was a concern that must be immediately addressed. The mayor added that "If you want to catch a croc you've got to chase it. National Parks put traps out, but crocodiles haven't survived for thousands of years by not being smart." Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said crocodiles were not moving in on humans -- it was the other way around and that: "The key to managing crocodile risks is educating people to be croc wise in croc country." http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,21261918%
21 February 07 Pair did act in self defence After croc attack
This follow-on to the Croc Press news report 14 February 07 'Crocodile battle lasted for four hours' reveals that the two men accused of illegally hunting and killing a crocodile have been acquitted on the grounds of self defence. The magistrate ruled that the state failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the two men were hunting the crocodile, notwithstanding the post mortem report that the crocodile corpse was discovered with a snare around its neck and a net around its mouth. Of modest note was the fact that earlier this month the pair's trial was postponed because there had been no Shangaan-speaking court interpreter available. Shangaan is another one of the languages that your Editor does not speak or read. http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,144122,00.html
19 February 07 Boy snatched by croc in Kavango River
A 16-year old boy was taken from the Kavango River while bathing. This Namibian piece reminds us why some people so fear the crocodile and perhaps quite justifiably do not share our forum's admiration and perhaps even affection for the large crocs. http://www.namibian.com.na/2007/February/national/07787861E9.html
17 February 07 Henter 20 krokodiller til Norge
From the Norwegian city of Bergen we learn that "Det flommer over av skrekkhistorier om saltvannskrokodillen. I hxst kommer den til Bergen." Not only that, but "Akvariedirektxr Kees Oscar Ekeli jobber for tiden med e hente inn rundt 20 krokodiller fra hele verden til Bergen." Who would have thought it, eh? Seriously though, anybody out there with Viking blood that can guide the rest of us? http://www.ba.no/nyheter/irix/article2592084.ece
18 February 07 Florida wants your help nabbing gators - Veteran trapper retiring; Now State's hiring
This month's feature service of Crocodopolis appears to be: The Help Wanted Column! Florida is looking to hire an alligator trapper - must have experience; must own or be willing to buy the necessary equipment, including a boat, snares and harpoons. Good customer-service skills preferred. The state has 28 alligator trappers who handle more than 18,000 nuisance calls a year. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is seeking an alligator trapper to work in Leon, Gadsden, Jackson and Jefferson counties. Applicants must live in one of those counties so they can respond when alligators prowl into places they shouldn't be. http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/2007021 8/NEWS01/702180329/1010/NEWS01
18 February 07 The American Crocodile: Feared and under threat
A report on public perception and the facts behind the recent sightings of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) within Jamaica. The Crocodile is one of 22 endangered animals covered under Jamaica's Wildlife and Protection Act. http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20070217T160000-0500_119239_OBS_THE_ AMERICAN_CROCODILE__FEARED_AND_UNDER_THREAT_.asp
16 February 07 Hungry crocs lounge around lake - Despite rise in numbers, Crocs less harmful than most believe
The University of Miami Department of Public Safety and the Florida Fish & WildlifeConservation Commission (FWC) are responding to a recent spike in crocodile sightings in Lake Osceola. "We're seeing more of them at this time of year because it's mating season," said Lt. Bill Gerlach of UM police. "The habitat here provides them with peace and quiet and a good food source." According to the FWC, South Florida is home to between 500 and 1,200 crocodiles. While they are an endangered species, crocodiles have experienced a dramatic comeback in the past two decades. This increase in population is believed to be the cause for the more frequent crocodile sightings on the Coral Gables campus. Crocodiles are often confused with their more dangerous reptilian counterpart, the alligator. Crocodiles are relatively shy animals. Dani Moschella, the public information coordinator for the FWC, said there has never been a documented attack on a human by a crocodile in Florida. UM police advise students to maintain their distance if they do see a crocodile and call the safety hotline at (305) 284-6666. "The most important thing I can say is, 'Stay away from the crocodiles,' " Gerlach said. "There is nothing in their behavior that would pose a threat to humans. The threat is dependent on human behavior." http://media.www.thehurricaneonline.com/media/storage/paper479/news/2007 /02/16/News/Hungry.Crocs.Lounge.Around.Lake-2724869.shtml
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