Results of saltwater crocodile survey

Environment Minister Jim McGinty says Western Australia's saltwater crocodile population - decimated by hunting earlier this century - is gradually increasing but more needs to be done to protect the species' natural habitat. 

Mr McGinty said a recent survey of parts of the Kimberley region indicated that saltwater crocodile numbers had grown slightly since similar research was undertaken in 1986 and higher than when crocodile hunting ended in 1970.

"Saltwater crocodiles were extensively hunted for the skin trade in the 1950s and '60s - with an estimated 25,000 killed between 1945 and 1970," Mr McGinty said. 

Less than 2,000 saltwater crocodiles were thought to be left in WA when harvesting ended.

"Although hunting has now stopped and adult crocodiles have no natural predators, some breeding grounds have been disturbed and this has slowed the recovery of the population," the Minister said.

Mr McGinty said the State Government was determined that prime crocodile habitat in the east Kimberley would be protected. 

"The 24,000 hectare Ord River Nature Reserve is being extended by a further 55,900 hectares along the lower Ord and the extensive tidal waterways and enormous mangrove swamps and mudflats, known as the False Mouths of the Ord," he said.

"The Department of Conservation and Land Management will also fence the best saltwater crocodile nesting area in the east Kimberley, along the King River near Wyndham, to protect the riverine vegetation from trampling by cattle." 

This will proceed with the support of the El Questro pastoral lessee.

Mr McGinty said the surveys of the east Kimberley crocodile population - carried out by CALM, in association with crocodile experts from the Darwin-based consultants G Webb Pty Ltd - had confirmed that freshwater crocodiles were abundant and that saltwater crocodiles were continuing to recover from past hunting. 

"About 580 non-hatchling saltwater crocodiles were estimated to occur in the Cambridge Gulf and Ord River areas - a count which is almost identical with the 1986 results.  This is despite the removal of more than 120 adult and juvenile saltwater crocodiles from the area in recent years, either as problem animals or to stock crocodile farms," he said.

Surveys in 1977-78 resulted in a population estimate of 2,000 non-hatchling saltwater crocodiles in the entire Kimberley and another survey in 1986 yielded an estimate of 2,500. 

"The 1992 survey also produced the first ever scientific estimate of the freshwater crocodile population in the Ord river below the Diversion Dam, numbering about 2,100 juveniles," Mr McGinty said. 

Other surveys in recent years - partly funded by Don Wieringa of the Fremantle Crocodile Park - have shown there are about 25,000 non-hatchling freshwater crocodiles in Lake Argyle, 7,500 in Lake Kununurra and 13,000 in a 170 kilometre section of the Fitzroy River system. 

Mr McGinty said the State Government would continue to protect crocodiles, while at the same time encouraging Western Australia's crocodile farming industry and providing for the safety of Kimberley residents and visitors through public education and the removal of problem crocodiles where necessary. 

"Crocodiles are a vital part of our ecosystem and, although they are not cuddly, they must be protected," Mr McGinty said. 

"Too many of our fauna species have been lost already - we can not let another be consigned to reference books and museum displays."