14.4 foot croc caught in Sungai Kanowit

KANOWIT: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Swift Wildlife Action Team (SWAT) has successfully captured a male saltwater crocodile at Lubuk Kerubung, Sungai Kanowit today (Aug 8).

The 14.4 foot-long reptile was caught on the fifth day of an operation that began on Aug 3.

According to SFC Sibu SWAT head of operations Joshua Nyawai, the operation was launched following complaints about the discovery of a crocodile nesting eggs in the Melipis-Lipus area.

Five SWAT members, equipped with two pick-up trucks and an Etamax boat, were deployed to the area and set up their base at the Lipus Multipurpose Hall.

In addition, the operation also involved several agencies under the Inter-Agency Human-Crocodile Conflict Management Committee.

“The operation has been carried out since Aug 3, from Kanowit estuary to the Geremai-Lipus area, and is expected to end on Aug 12.

“The crocodile that was captured had taken one of the eight baits placed along the operation’s location. It was subsequently disposed of and buried at the Kanowit landfill,” he said.

Joshua added that villagers have frequently reported sightings of large crocodiles in Lubuk Kerubung.

Local residents also claimed that the reptile used to chase boats and prey on pet dogs in a nearby farm.

“This operation will continue for a few more days, and our target is to capture a female crocodile nesting in Melipis-Lipus area,” he said.