Terri Irwin argues crocodile culling proposal would increase likelihood of attacks

ABC NEWS (Australia)

World-famous conservationist Terri Irwin has branded proposed legislation to allow crocodile culls and safari-style hunting trips as "dangerous" and a "recipe for disaster". The legislation put forward by Katter's Australian Party (KAP) proposes the creation of a Queensland Crocodile Authority, which would be charged with implementing "zero-tolerance zones" in populated areas, where all crocodiles would be culled or relocated to farms or sanctuaries.

Transcript

00:00Their size, speed and stealth make crocodiles highly effective apex predators.

00:12Opinion on how to deal with them is divided.

00:15These are man-eating killers.

00:17Attacks on people are very rare.

00:20CATA's Australian party says too often human lives are at risk.

00:24The crocodile population has absolutely exploded and back-to-back governments have failed to do anything about it.

00:32It's estimated 20,000 to 30,000 crocodiles live in Queensland waterways.

00:39Terry Irwin says the population increase has been modest.

00:43But the CATAs have proposed a bill to set up a Queensland Crocodile Authority based in Cairns.

00:50It would implement zero tolerance zones in populated areas where crocs would be culled or relocated to a farm or sanctuary.

01:00And that means the beaches, our boat ramps, our freshwater swimming holes, zero tolerance, they'll be gone.

01:06But Terry Irwin argues this will increase the likelihood of attacks as it gives people a false sense of security.

01:13Research has consistently shown that when a crocodile dies or is removed, then another immediately comes in to take over that territory.

01:23But the KAP goes further, wanting Indigenous people to have the option to offer safari-style hunting trips.

01:31As an economic benefit for them to bring in high paying clients.

01:35Traditional owners say crocs are important.

01:38Without crocodiles, the waterways get sick.

01:41They want a bigger say in croc management.

01:45Indigenous people need to be involved in that process.

01:47Like at the moment, we're left out of it.

01:49Under existing management plans, some crocodiles can be removed from certain areas.

01:55But some tourism operators, recreational groups and farmers fear that doesn't go far enough.

02:01Researchers are urging legislators to look at the evidence.

02:05It's absolutely possible for crocodiles and humans to co-exist.

02:11Having a comprehensive education and awareness program.

02:15There'll be more public hearings next week.

02:17For a lot of飯 there will be more public hearings if you don't look for пожалуйста.

02:27See you then.

02:29Erfahrings does not toا.

02:31Right there will.

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