As dawn breaks over Darwin Harbour, ranger Kelly Ewin prepares to manage the crocodile population by removing them from residential areas.
The calm waters are deceptive. With recent storms behind, the silence is intermittently broken by splashes coming from the floating trap.
“Getting a hold of these reptiles requires precision,” Ewin remarks, trying to secure a noose around the agitated crocodile.
Australia’s Northern Territory is home to an estimated 100,000 wild saltwater crocodiles, making it the world’s hotspot for this species.
Darwin, the capital of Northern Territory, is a small coastal city known for its beaches and wetlands. Residents quickly learn that where there’s water, there are often crocodiles.
Saltwater crocodiles, commonly known as ‘salties’, were nearly driven to extinction around 50 years ago. Post-World War II, unchecked skin trading led their numbers to dwindle to approximately 3,000.
However, following a hunting ban in 1971, the crocodile population rebounded rapidly and is now classified as a protected species, free from threats.
The remarkable recovery has sparked discussions on how to manage the burgeoning population to ensure public safety and maintain community support.
“We must avoid creating animosity towards these creatures,” says crocodile expert Prof. Grahame Webb. “History shows that political reactions can lead to harmful decisions regarding crocodile management.”
Coexisting with Predators
The hot climate and rich coastal environment of the Northern Territory provide an ideal habitat for saltwater crocodiles, which rely on external warmth to regulate their body temperature.
Large populations of salties can also be found in Northern Queensland, Western Australia, and parts of Southeast Asia. While many crocodile species are generally non-threatening, saltwater crocodiles are known for their aggressive and territorial nature.
Fatal encounters are infrequent in Australia, but they can occur; the latest incident involved the tragic loss of a 12-year-old in the Northern Territory, marking the first crocodile-related death since 2018.
This is the busiest season for Ewin and his colleagues, as the breeding season prompts more crocodile movements.
The team conducts regular checks on 24 traps placed around Darwin as local waters attract fishing enthusiasts and adventurous swimmers.
Most crocodiles captured in the harbour are euthanized, due to their natural instinct to return if released elsewhere.
“We aim to reduce the risk of human-crocodile encounters,” Ewin shares, highlighting his two-year commitment to this “dream job” after leaving law enforcement.
Education plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety. The Northern Territory government runs a program called “Be Crocwise,” teaching residents how to navigate crocodile-infested areas responsibly.
This successful initiative has piqued interest from regions around the globe, including Florida and the Philippines, as they seek to manage interactions between humans and crocodiles effectively.
“Understanding how to stay safe in crocodile territory is vital,” explains ranger Natasha Hoffman, who oversees the educational initiative. “Awareness of their ambush tactics can prevent dangerous encounters.”
While large-scale culling is not currently being considered, the government last year introduced a 10-year crocodile management plan, increasing the annual culling quota from 300 to 1,200.
Crocodiles: A Dual-edged Sword
Saltwater crocodiles draw significant attention both for tourism and luxury fashion, with some brands paying top dollar for their leather.
Thrill-seekers can visit sites like the Adelaide River to watch “croc jumping” displays, where salties are fed and showcased to tourists.
With tourism booming, there are increased opportunities for those eager to work with these apex predators.
Crocodile farming emerged after hunting was banned, now resulting in an estimated 150,000 crocodiles held in captivity in the Northern Territory.
High-end brands, including prominent fashion houses, have invested in the farming industry, securing access to premium crocodile skins.
“Commercial incentives have been established to foster community support for crocodile populations in the area,” says Mick Burns, a key figure in crocodile farming.
Despite the economic benefits, concerns remain regarding animal welfare in the farming sector. Activists point to the solitary conditions in which crocodiles are often kept, arguing it undermines their social nature.
In conclusion, the relationship between communities and saltwater crocodiles continues to evolve, as both sides seek to navigate the situation with caution and pragmatism. The ongoing dialogue about crocodile management in the Northern Territory remains essential to balancing safety, conservation, and economic opportunity.
