Crocodile safari hunting proposed in Northern Territory, Australia

Every few years the spectre of ‘big game hunters’ shooting at crocodiles in the Northern Territory of Australia, rears its ugly head. Once again the Northern Territory Government is trying to reopen crocodile safari hunting under its proposed new management plan. 

Under the plan 25 Saltwater Crocodiles of at least 3.5 metres in length would be allowed to be killed by tourists, prepared to pay thousands of dollars to ‘bag a crocodile’.  If this plan succeeds it will be the first time since 1971 that people will be allowed game-hunt Saltwater Crocodiles, when they were hunted to near extinction.

Why go backwards when it comes to the protection of native wildlife? This proposal is for 25 crocs a year to start with but the intention is to increase this number. This hunting proposal isn’t intended to control nuisance crocs, it’s purely for commercial profit and entertainment. There is nothing to stop inexperienced shooters with enough money, taking a shot at a croc and it will be almost impossible to make sure all crocs are killed humanely...If we open the doors to this type of tourism, what native animal will be next?

The Northern Territory of Australia is internationally known as an area of great beauty. Kakadu National Park and Uluru are probably its most famous attractions and it was the setting for the move Australia, with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. The opportunity to see unspoilt desert, wilderness and rainforest and the incredible native animals like crocodiles that live there is a major drawcard for eco-tourists to the region. Rather than catering for small hunting lobby groups we are asking the Northern Territory Government to focus on promoting eco-tourism opportunities for the majority of tourists who travel to Australia for a wildlife experience and who enjoy seeing crocodiles in their natural habitat.

The Northern Territory Government has asked for public comments on the Draft Management Plan and approval from the Australian Government.

Please write or send an email to Environment Minister Peter Garrett by Friday 29 May 2009 asking him not to allow safari hunting as part of the crocodile management plan. Let him know you fully support the Federal Government’s long held policy in opposition to trophy hunting of native animals.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
PO Box 6022
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
email: Peter.Garrett.MP@aph.gov.au

(Photo © Georgia Curry)

Comments

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Kakadu National Park and Uluru are probably its most famous attractions and it was the setting for the move Australia, with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.thanks