a day ago
Crocodiles essential for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, says conservationist
KOTA KINABALU: Crocodiles, an often misunderstood species of reptile, play a vital role in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and should continue to be protected, said the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC).
Crocodile Conservationist Dr Sai Kerisha Kntayya of DGFC said in conjunction with World Crocodile Day on Tuesday (June 17), it was important to understand these reptiles and learn to co-exist with them.
'Although these reptiles are often seen as dangerous predators, it is possible for humans and animals to co-exist,' she said when contacted.
She said crocodiles help maintain healthy fish populations by removing the weak and sick while as apex predators, they balance aquatic food webs.
To promote co-existence between animals and humans, Sai said we first need to understand that it is normal to see crocodiles in the sea.
'They are strong swimmers and often travel long distances through coastal waters. Not all sightings require capture – we must learn to differentiate between natural behaviour and actual threats,' she said.
She said Sabah is home to only one wild crocodile species – the saltwater crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus), which naturally lives in both freshwater and saltwater environments, including rivers, estuaries, and the sea and this species is fully protected under the state law.
'To minimise conflicts, we should always respect their space by avoiding, entering or disturbing known crocodile areas, especially during nesting season (May to August). These are part of their natural range,' said Sai.
For communities living near rivers, she advised using designated access points that are safe, designated spots for bathing, fishing, or other water activities.
'Avoid riverbanks during dawn, dusk, or night when crocodiles are most active,' she said.
Sai said people can also install safety infrastructure such as barriers (floating jetties, fences, or crocodile exclusion enclosures) in high-risk areas to reduce direct encounters between humans and crocodiles.
She said public awareness and education programmes including regular outreach in schools, villages, and public spaces helps people understand crocodile behaviour, risks and safe practices.
When carrying out activities, people need to avoid attracting crocodiles by disposing food waste, fish offcuts, and livestock remains properly as these can attract crocodiles closer to human areas, she said.
When one notices or sighted a crocodile, they should report these sightings to wildlife authorities so they can assess the situation and take non-lethal action if needed, Sai said.
'It is useful and beneficial to support research and monitoring of these reptiles as well, as tracking and monitoring crocodile movement helps identify high-risk zones and plan safe human activities,' she said.
According to DGFC, the saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile - growing up to seven meters long, can travel hundreds of kilometres by sea - some even crossing open ocean, and dubbed true living fossils as they have remained virtually unchanged for over 200 million years.
'On this World Crocodile Day, let us renew our commitment to protecting our wildlife, respecting their space, and learning to live in harmony with these incredible creatures.
'Because when we protect crocodiles, we protect the health of our rivers, our biodiversity, and ultimately, our future,' it added.
