Reward out for keepers of crocodiles

PHUKET: Authorities are offering a reward for information on people who keep crocodiles illegally, according to Phuket governor Noraphat Plodthong.

The move comes as officials try to hunt down a 1.5-metre crocodile that has been spotted in the sea and beaches of Phuket over the past nine days.

Mr Noraphat said provincial authorities have issued an announcement that anyone who unlawfully keeps crocodiles must report to the Phuket Provincial Fisheries office by Aug 10.

“People who buy chickens or fish in bulk may be feeding them to crocodiles,” said Mr Noraphat.

“Surveillance measures are the best solution. We will also offer rewards for those who can provide tip-offs.”

The errant crocodile was first spotted on July 18 near Yanui beach by a fisherman. It was seen again three days later sunbathing on Kata beach.

Last Monday, the reptile was spotted in the sea off Trai Trang beach in Kathu district.

On Thursday, crocodile tracks were reported by a hotel staff member on Layan beach.

Mr Noraphat, who visited Layan beach yesterday, said officials who had examined the area told him the tracks were likely to be that of the reptile as they were the correct size.

It is the same place where a 2.8-metrelong male crocodile, named “Lepang”, was found in August last year, the governor said. That reptile was successfully captured later.

Mr Noraphat said officials have been sent to patrol beaches for the roaming crocodile.

Chicken in cages were placed in eight locations in a bid to trap the reptile, he said, adding drones were also being used to look for the crocodile during clear weather.

Deputy Phuket governor Thavornwat Kongkaew said yesterday authorities were also alerted by fishermen on Thursday that they had seen a crocodile near Katha Island in Phuket’s Sirinat National Park.

Mr Thavornwat however did not elaborate exactly when the reptile had been spotted.

He said he was confident that the reptile could still be in the area.