Crocs, birds and barra thrive in inlet area

A TOUR operator says the crocodile population of East Trinity has remained virtually unchanged for the past decade, but the birdlife is thriving.

Scientists surveying the 774ha property over the past 20 years have noted an increase in the number and size of saltwater crocodiles. NQ Watersports owner Stephen Singleton (right), whose Cairns business conducts jetski crocspotting tours throughout Trinity Inlet, said they regularly spotted crocs sunbaking on creek banks.

“They haven’t changed in 10 years,” he said.

“There’s lots of small crocs hanging around, but no new huge crocs – just the regulars.”

He said, however, there was an abundance of other wildlife.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of wedge-tailed kites,” he said. “There’s a breeding pair of jabiru up there that we see on a rare occasion.

“There’s heaps of red-crested sea eagles, and heaps of barra are jumping. I’m not an expert on flora and fauna, but I’d say in the last 10 years, East Trinity has been healthy and seems to still be healthy.”

CAFNEC president Denis Walls said a group of birdwatchers he brought to East Trinity last month identified more than 80 species of birds.

“The Peat Swamp is a particular highlight, and resembles a mini-Kakadu just a stone’s throw away from the CBD,” he said.