SFC team captures 14.4-foot croc in Sg Kanowit

KANOWIT (Aug 8): The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) Wildlife Action Team has successfully captured a large, 14.4-foot male crocodile at Lubuk Kerubung, Sungai Kanowit yesterday.

SFC Sibu Region Swift Action Team (SWAT) chief Joshua Nyawai said the male crocodile, scientifically known as Crocodulus Porosus, was caught on the fifth day of the operation that began on Aug 3.

“This operation was conducted after the discovery of crocodile egg nests in the Melipis-Lipus area.

“A five-member SWAT team, equipped with two four-wheel-drive vehicles and an Etamax boat, was deployed with Lipus multipurpose hall serving as the operating centre (OC),” he said.

The operation also involved several agencies under the Human Crocodile Conflict Management Committee.

Joshua said the operation area covered the upper Sungai Kanowit to the Geremai-Lipus area.

“We started the operation last Saturday, and the crocodile was caught after it took one of the eight baits placed along the operation area,” he explained.

He said that villagers had frequently spotted a large crocodile at Lubuk Kerubung.

“Nearby villagers claimed the reptile had chased boats and even eaten a dog in nearby garden,” he added.

Joshua said the crocodile was buried at the Kanowit landfill site.

“This operation will continue for several more days to locate the female crocodile nesting in the Melipis-Lipus area,” he added.