More people are sinking their teeth into crocodile meat than ever before and the popularity of croc oils and leather is rising domestically. So what is driving the demand?
The 3m croc was captured on film earlier this week.
Rockhampton Regional Council acting mayor Neil Fisher said the Department of Environment regularly received sighting reports along the Fitzroy River, and urged people to be ‘crocwise’ whenever they were near the water.
“Although this crocodile has not displayed any threatening behaviour we are urging people to be vigilant and practice crocwise safety,” he said.
“Crocodiles are a vital part of the Australian ecosystem and are commonly found in waterways such as the Fitzroy River.
“This crocodile was filmed on the bank of the river opening its mouth and demonstrating normal crocodile behaviour. This behaviour is not considered threatening or concerning.”
A crocodile has been trapped in the Fitzroy River and will be rehomed at the Koorana Crocodile farm. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers caught the 2.5m crocodile about 10 km from the barrage on December 16.
Crocodile caught in the Fitzroy River: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service officers towing a crocodile trap in the Fitzroy River. A baited trap was set on November 26, and wildlife officers successfully captured the animal last week. The crocodile will be rehomed at the Koorana Crocodile farm on Tuesday, December 22. According to the DES, under the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan the area of the Fitzroy River above the barrage and 20km upstream is within Zone C (Targeted Management Zone).