Crocodile hunting ban 'a shocker'

[herptrader]

http://www.theage.com.au/news/national/crocodile-hunting-ban-a-shocker/2005/10/06/1128562943651.html


IT WASN'T as big as Mark Latham's but the dummy spit by Dave Tollner, the Howard Government's man in the Top End, was extraordinary.

Mr Tollner yesterday described a decision by Federal Environment Minister Ian Campbell to block safari hunting of crocodiles in the Northern Territory as a "shocker".

"It just shows how out of touch some Canberra politicians are with the true outback, frontier spirit of the Territory," said Mr Tollner, federal MP for the Darwin-based seat of Solomon, and an enthusiastic pig shooter.

"This decision is a shocker and it smacks of arrogance by suggesting that southerners know what's best for the Territory ? despite not living here," he said.

There are an estimated 77,000 crocodiles in the Territory and the NT Government asked the Federal Government 18 months ago to allow safari hunters to export the skins of 25 each year.

Crocodiles killed two people in the NT last week and many Territorians say too many crocodiles have been allowed to breed, making it too dangerous to swim or camp near any waterway.

The NT Government allows only 600 crocodiles to be culled each year ? and the 25 safari hunted crocodiles were to be taken from those that were to be killed, anyway.

But after much deliberation and study, including tuition from crocodile celebrity Steve Irwin on how to capture large crocodiles, Senator Campbell said he would not approve the request.

One reason given was a belief safari hunters were not good enough shots to kill a crocodile humanely. "I do not believe that safari hunting of crocodiles is consistent with a modern-day approach to animal welfare and responsible management," Senator Campbell said.

 

[stencorp69]

One reason given was a belief safari hunters were not good enough shots to kill a crocodile humanely. "I do not believe that safari hunting of crocodiles is consistent with a modern-day approach to animal welfare and responsible management," Senator Campbell said.

I reckon thats on the money

 

[Brodie]

Oh he was taught about crocs by Steve Irwin.. Im sure he knows lots now lmao

 

[Grant]

I hate to agrre with any Liberal MP, but the people up at NT have a far better picture of waht is going on in the envrionment and the Federal Government should have taken the advice given.
Culling the crocs when they're at such high numbers wouldn't effect the balance of the ecosystem if done properly. they do it over in countries like South Africa, Kenya etc with elephants very successfully. it also helps in reducing the illegal trade if you 'flood' the market with animal skin/teeth and whatever else from the animals killed.

 

[Hickson]

A safari style hunt for 25 crocs would also generate revenue to help offset the costs of culling the other 575.



Hix

 

[Dicco]

Grant, there ius no illegal market for Salt Water crocs in Aust and it's people's own fault if they get attacked, if you don't want a crocodile to kiull you, don't swim with them!

Hix, could you please rephrase that, I'm not sure that I get what your saying.

 

[foxysnake]

And yet a few months ago (or longer), Steve Irwin was publicly announcing that relocating crocs is pointless.

Typical that they'd do whateva the celebrity wants.

 

[Grant]

Dicco, you have to put it into a global context, don't think just Australia. You put skins etc from crocodiles culled in Oz, areas where they are in severe decline are helped due to the decrease demand. That's how you have to think with these things. South Africa doesn't have a prominent illegal poaching of elephants anymore, but they still sell culled animals, it helps surrounding countires where poaching is still rife.