R S TEJUS:
In a powerful decision that reaffirmed science, culture, and conservation, Queensland’s parliamentary committee has rejected a controversial proposal to cull saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus). The bill, introduced by Katter’s Australian Party, would have allowed widespread killing of these ancient predators under the guise of public safety.
The rejection of this bill is not just a win for crocodiles. It’s a win for science, for indigenous culture, and for truth in wildlife policy.
A Misunderstood Predator
Saltwater crocodiles are one of the world’s oldest living species, having existed for over 200 million years. These reptiles are powerful, intelligent, and deeply woven into the ecological fabric of Northern Australia.
But despite their ecological role, they are often seen as dangerous pests, largely because of media-driven fear and misinformation. In reality, crocodiles in Queensland are a recovering population, not an exploding one.
While the Northern Territory has an estimated 100,000 crocodiles, Queensland only has 20,000 to 30,000, according to official data.
Least Survival Rate
Even more important – less than one percent of crocodile hatchlings survive to adulthood. This natural survival barrier keeps the population in check – no culling needed.
Saltwater crocodiles are apex predators, and their presence ensures the health of rivers and wetlands. When we remove top predators, ecosystems fall apart.
The Wujal Wujal Incident: Who Was at Fault?
A defining moment in this debate came in 2023, in the Indigenous community of Wujal Wujal, Far North Queensland. A man filmed himself luring his dog towards a large crocodile while recording the scene on his GoPro. The dog was killed. The man was bitten. And the crocodile, doing what any wild predator would, was shot dead under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan.
But the backlash wasn’t about the bite. It was about justice.
The crocodile was killed. The man who provoked the situation walked away without a fine. For Traditional Owners of that land who hold deep totemic relationships with crocodiles, the animal was considered a spiritual family member. Its death was not just unnecessary – it was a cultural wound.
This incident exposed a glaring gap in Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act. Until recently, there were no penalties for people who approached or fed crocodiles recklessly. Thanks to relentless advocacy by groups like CROC QLD, new laws were introduced in September 2024, increasing penalties for feeding or provoking crocodiles.
But the real problem? No fines have been issued yet even as reckless behaviour continues.
The Science Speaks Clearly: Culling Doesn’t Work
Modern research has clearly shown that culling does not reduce crocodile attacks. Studies from leading institutions including Charles Darwin University confirm that removing individual crocodiles only creates a false sense of safety.
Most crocodile-related incidents involve local residents, not tourists specifically men between the ages of 45 and 55 engaged in risky recreational activities like fishing or swimming in crocodile habitats. These are not cases of innocent victims being attacked randomly, they are examples of human complacency in known crocodile zones.
Blaming the crocodile for doing what it’s biologically wired to do makes no sense. What needs to change is human behaviour, not crocodile numbers.
Conservation is the Real Solution
Instead of culling, Queensland must focus on evidence-based conservation strategies that address the real issues. Here’s what that should include:
Public Education
Communities must be taught how to live safely in crocodile territory. Northern Territory’s successful “Be Crocwise” campaign has used jingles, ads, and storytelling to build public awareness.
Queensland needs a similar campaign that reaches both indigenous and non-indigenous communities with clear, engaging, and respectful messaging.
Smarter Signage
Standard warning signs are often ignored. In high-risk areas, larger and digital signs should be installed.
Research shows these are far more effective in grabbing attention. This is especially needed at popular boat ramps, rivers, and swimming spots.
Community Empowerment
Indigenous rangers patrol large parts of crocodile country, but currently lack enforcement powers. This must change.
Indigenous rangers should be given authority to issue on-the-spot fines for people acting recklessly. These are the very people best equipped to protect crocodiles and communities alike.
Responsible Media Reporting
Words matter. Media must stop using phrases like “croc-infested waters” or “river monster.” These labels only fuel public fear and justify cruel policies.
Crocodiles are not monsters – they are a conservation success story, returning after decades of hunting and habitat destruction. Stories about crocodiles must focus on fact-based reporting, not fear-mongering.
Safe Viewing Zones and Infrastructure
In places where people and crocodiles are likely to come into contact like Babinda, Mowbray River, or boat ramps – safe infrastructure should be built.
Platforms for viewing crocodiles from a distance, physical barriers for boaters, and CCTV monitoring can help prevent illegal activities and encourage respectful coexistence.
A Dangerous Global Trend Averted
Had this bill been accepted in Queensland, it could have set off a global wave of wildlife killings. Already, lawmakers in some parts of India like Kerala and Karnataka, are calling for elephant culling due to rising conflict.
If a country like Australia had backed crocodile killing, it would have legitimized similar actions across the world, especially in countries where environmental protection is weak.
The rejection of the crocodile culling bill in Queensland is not just a local issue. It’s a message to the world that killing isn’t conservation. It’s an invitation to embrace scientific, cultural, and community-based solutions.
The Bigger Picture
Crocodiles, especially Crocodylus porosus, are not just animals. They are survivors of ancient times. They are spiritual beings for Indigenous communities. They are engineers of rivers, controllers of populations, and guardians of biodiversity.
Queensland has had only seven crocodile-related deaths in 10 years that’s fewer than deaths caused by e-scooters in Cairns this year alone. Yet crocodiles face more hatred, more blame, and more calls for extermination than nearly any other native species.
Replace Culling with Co-existence
We must replace fear with knowledge. Replace culling with coexistence. And replace panic with policy that honours both ecological integrity and human responsibility.
The fight to protect crocodiles isn’t over. But with science, truth, and compassion on our side, it’s a fight we can win.
PHOTO CREDIT: Croc.qld (Amanda and Matt) David White (Solar Whisper)