Crocodile Spotted in Komodo National Park Waters, Visitors Urged to Be Cautious

A crocodile was spotted swimming in several locations within the waters of Komodo National Park (TNK) in Labuan Bajo, West Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, on Friday. The public and tourists have been urged to remain vigilant. The crocodile appeared in the waters near Strawberry Rock and Kalong Island, Rinca Island. In a video obtained by detikBali, the crocodile could be seen swimming on the water’s surface, with a fishing boat passing not far from the animal. Head of the Komodo National Park Office, Hendrikus Rani Siga, confirmed the sighting, stating that the crocodile was spotted around 3:00 p.m. local time. “The Komodo National Park Office received information from visitors and officers at the Kampung Rinca Resort that a crocodile was observed swimming in the waters around Strawberry Rock and Kalong Island,” Hengki said on Friday evening. Hengki added that BTNK, together with relevant parties, particularly the NTT Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), will continue to monitor the presence of the animal as part of wildlife monitoring efforts in the park and its surrounding waters. Hengki urged the public and tourism operators to exercise increased caution when conducting activities near the location of the sighting. “Avoid swimming or conducting water activities in that area, and immediately report any further sightings of the crocodile to Komodo National Park officers or the authorities,” Hengki said.