Village folk turn to licensed hunters to solve rising croc population
KU CHING: Village rs of Kampung Selampit in Lundu have engaged the services of licensed crocodile hunters in view of the increasing population of the reptile at the village.
Its headman Longer Mised, 57, toldUtu san Borne o that the presence of the crocodiles has affected the daily activities of the vi l lagers, especial ly fisher men.
“I can say that almost every day, we can spot crocodiles surfacing in the river. Their numbers seem to have increased of late, and causing concern among us whenever we go to the river,” he said when contacted yesterday.
According to Longer, the crocodiles have also begun targeting fi sh traps and nets set by villagers, which has affected their source of income.
He said following the death of a villager from a crocodile attack, residents decided to engage licensed hunters to reduce the reptile’s increasing population.
“Through the services of these licensed hunters, four crocodiles ranging from 12 to 18 feet were captured on Saturday. The four crocodile were culled during the operation and their meat distributed among the local villagers.”
Longer added that simi lar efforts will be carried out from t ime- to- t ime to reduce the crocodile population in the river, saying: “If possible, we would like to carry out the activity once a month. I urge the authorities to assist us in this effort.”
A total of 60 licences to hunt crocodiles have been issued in Sarawak over the past two years as a measure to control their population, to reduce the number of human- croc conflicts.
The licences also allow holders to sell the meat and skin of culled crocodiles.