Croc shows our rivers are healthier now

Letter from Raizal A. Jalil, Straits Times 9 Aug 08;

I READ with interest about the crocodile spotted in Pasir Ris Park. It seems the authorities are out to trap the crocodile in the name of public safety, but we need to pause to think about the implications.

The coming of the crocodile into the river is a clear and vindicatory signal that our river systems are recovering from past neglect and the ecosystem is well on its way to re-balancing itself. A crocodile is an apex predator and its presence in a river system can only mean there is an abundance of underwater life that can sustain it.

I remembered old grandmother stories told by my elders that our rivers once did sustain crocodiles but they disappeared when we began our extensive national housing development. This inadvertently resulted in many rivers, with their natural banks, being turned into concrete canals. They are not pretty but necessary to ensure better flood control. With the return of the top predator, life has turned full circle and nature has once again triumphed over the the innovation of Man.

Back to trapping the crocodile. The authorities should conduct a risk assessment study of having a crocodile in our rivers. If the solution is to trap every crocodile spotted, this could be expensive and manpower-intensive. Not to mention that we need trained people to do this. Perhaps it would be better to educate the public on the natural biology and ecology of the crocodile. This is to ensure the public knows what to do if a crocodile is spotted.

Crocodiles naturally do not prey on humans but will attack if provoked. It would be better to find a way to coexist with them rather than forcibly remove them. After all, the river was once their home. We were the ones who intruded into their living space.

I am excited about a crocodile in our rivers. It is a symbol that things are righting themselves. It seems like nature is forgiving us for all our past neglect and abuse. May more forgiveness be forthcoming.