Crocodile sanctuaries planned across Sarawak to keep predators away from humans, promote wildlife tourism

Large crocodiles basking in the sun at Jong’s Crocodile Farm, which is currently the only privately-run zoo with a focus on the reptiles in the State.

By Karen Bong

KUCHING, Sept 25: The Sarawak government is actively working to establish crocodile sanctuaries in identified areas across the region to relocate these predators to secluded environments, aiming to reduce the risk of attacks on humans, particularly riverine communities that rely heavily on waterways for their livelihoods.

Deputy Minister of Urban Planning, Land Administratin and Environment Datuk Len Talif Salleh explained that several areas have already been identified for these sanctuaries, including the Kuching Wetlands for the Kuching Division.

Other potential sites under consideration include Seduku Island to manage the crocodile population in Batang Lupar, the Rajang Mangrove National Park for Batang Rajang, and a site in Suai or Sibuti for the northern region.

Len Talif speaking to DayakDaily during an exclusive interview on April 9, 2024.

“The sanctuaries are being established in different areas to minimise the logistics challenges in transporting these reptiles. Our goal is to remove them from areas with high human population, particularly in riverine communities.

“While some locations have been identified, the identification process is still ongoing,” he told DayakDaily when contacted.

The rising threat of crocodile attacks

Sarawak’s rivers system are infested with crocodiles, and incidents of attacks on humans have been rising.

The crocodile population in Sarawak has nearly doubled over the past nine years, growing from 13,500 in 2014 to approximately 25,000 at the end of 2023.

Despite this surge, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) stated that the number of crocodile-human conflicts have remained consistent over the past decade, with the highest recorded number of fatalities — nine — occurring in 2021.

Six-year old Cicilia (inset) remains missing after being snatched by a crocodile while bathing by the river at Kampung Seberang Pasar Lama, Tatau on Sept 18, 2024.

In September this year, several tragic incidents underscored the seriousness of this issue. A six-year-old girl, Cicilia Julan Intik, was snatched and dragged underwater by a crocodile before her grandfather’s eyes while they were bathing in Kampung Seberang Pasar Lama, Tatau. Despite a week-long search, her body has yet to be found.

Similarly, on Sept 22, a 59-year-old fisherman disappeared in Kuala Baram, Miri and his body was found the next day with signs of a crocodile attack.

Earlier in April, a 74-year-old woman went missing while foraging for clams along the Rayu River in Jalan Selang, Kuching. Blood and footprints at the scene suggested a crocodile attack, though her body has never been recovered.

The two crocodiles captured in Kampung Tanjung Tuang in Kota Samarahan on May 20, 2024.

Recent sightings and captures also highlighted the scale of the problem. In Kampung Tankung Tuang, Kota Samarahan, an 800-kilogramme crocodile was captured, while in Lubuk Kerubong, Kanowit, a 14.4-foot crocodile was caught. Another 3.9-metre crocodile was shot dead by locals in Sarikei.

Challenges despite CITES downgrade and commercial opportunities

Len Talif also noted that the status of crocodiles in Sarawak had been downgraded from Schedule I to Schedule II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 2016.

This reclassification allows for the culling and commercial harvesting of crocodile skin and meat for export.

However, there are challenges. “Many wild crocodiles are too old, and their skin is tough, making it less desirable in the international trade, where younger crocodiles aged three to four years are preferred,” he said.

‘Crocodile area’ warning signs installed in the surrounding area of MWC.

Additionally, Len Talif highlighted that many indigenous communities hold deep-rooted taboos against killing crocodiles, making them unwilling to engage in such activities. This belief is shared across various ethnic groups, including the Iban, Malay, Melanau, Orang Ulu, and Bidayuh.

According to local customs and mythology, killing a crocodile is believed to bring a curse upon one’s family lineage, which is a serious and strongly upheld belief among these communities.

This belief has deterred many from engaging in the culling or trade of crocodiles. Even the Chinese community tends to avoid involvement in crocodile-related activities, further limiting participation in the trade or culling of crocodiles.

Crocodile-human conflict: A global challenge
Crocodiles can live for up to 100 years, and they have no natural predators, making them a persistent challenge in many regions of the world.

Len Talif pointed out that this issue is not unique to Sarawak. Countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and India face similar problems, where riverine communities depend on waterways for sustenance.

Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) had to rent a forklift to assist firefighters in lifting a giant crocodile out of a drain.

“In Australia, fewer people live along rivers, and those who do are usually engaged in recreational activities like fishing. But even in Australia, crocodile attacks are not uncommon, with cases of people being attacked while picnicking near rivers,” he said.

Sarawak’s commitment to reducing human-crocodile conflicts

Expressing grave concerns following the two fatalities due to crocodile attacks in September, Len Talif reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment, in collaboration with the SFC, to establish crocodile sanctuaries.

These sanctuaries will help reduce crocodile-human conflicts by relocating the reptiles from populated areas to more isolated environments.

“The sanctuaries could also serve as eco-tourism destinations, offering a safe habitat for crocodiles while benefiting local economies,” he added.

Awang Tengah (sixth left), Len Talif (third right) and other officials in a group photo during a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures in Australia on Aug 9, 2024.

In August this year, Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan led a benchmarking visit to Australia’s Northern Territory and the Great Barrier Reef to explore crocodile management and ecotourism opportunities.

The visit focused on how Australia has successfully managed crocodiles, minimised human-crocodile conflict, and involved local communities in the conservation of the species.

Sarawak is now eyeing a similar model, which could transform crocodile-related challenges into tourism opportunities while ensuring sustainable management of crocodile populations.

Retail opportunities for crocodile products, such as skins, were also explored, aligning with Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable development and the adoption of global best practices.

Planning for the sanctuary zones is ongoing, with the Ministry working to secure the necessary funding for their development.

While no exact timeline has been set, Len Talif expressed hope for the project to come to fruition as soon as possible, marking a significant step forward in managing the crocodile population and safeguarding communities in Sarawak. — DayakDaily