Walhi regrets the killing of crocodile

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) regrets the killing of a rare giant crocodile (Crocodilus porosus) in Bulungan regency, a local Walhi official said here yesterday.

Abrianto Amin said killing the crocodile did not solve any problems, including why crocodiles in the local habitat often attacked people.

"It could be because its habitat has been disturbed," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

On Dec. 6, Bulungan residents and local police killed a gigantic crocodile measuring six meters in length and 2.5 meters in diameter.

The crocodile had attacked 14-year-old Mohtar, who was swimming in the Kayan River.

In Samarinda Seberang regency, residents have been hunting another crocodile which attacked Mangindara, 7, in Mahakam River.

"It is an indication that the habitat of the endangered species has been disturbed and they have started to move to surrounding villages," Amin said.

In the 1960s, Kayan River was known as a haven for crocodiles in the region and people could easily see dozens of crocodiles swimming in the river. There is also a tributary called Sungai Buaya (Crocodile River).

The species has been threatened with extinction because of illegal hunting for its skin. There is no data on the number of existing specimens in the wild. (swe)