Malaysia: Rare crocodile rescued

Rizalman Hammim New Straits Times 20 Jul 11;

MUAR: A team from the Marine Operations Force (MOF) rescued a rare False Gharial or buaya julung-julung at an orchard in Kampung Sawah Laku, Bukit Kepong, here on Monday.

Following a tip-off, the six-man team raided the orchard at 5pm and found the 60kg reptile, measuring 2.5m.

Muar MOF commanding officer Assistant Superintendent Nordin Osman said the orchard was believed to have been used as a transit point prior to the sale of the reptile, which was believed to have been brought in from outside the district.

"The orchard owner escaped during the raid. We found a small shed and a pond containing the crocodile in the middle of the orchard.

"We received a report of two reptiles, but we only found one".

The reptile, whose scientific name is Tomistoma Schlegelii, is a protected species.

Nordin said the police were working closely with the district Wildlife and National Parks Department to identify the owner of the orchard.

"The reptile will be handed to the Muar Wildlife and National Parks Department and later taken to Malacca Zoo."

He said the case was being investigated under Section 68 (2C) of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.