Shawn Low Today Online 12 Dec 13;
The recent presence of saltwater crocodiles at Sungei Buloh raises concerns that I feel are not being communicated appropriately to the public. They are some of the most protective and aggressive predators in the world.
I have journeyed through Australia as a travel writer, and their threat is taken seriously in far north Queensland. There are ample signs to indicate crocodile territory, and tour operators and guides often urge caution with regard to approaching the crocodiles.
Attacks by saltwater crocodiles on humans have been documented regularly in Australia. I do not mean to be alarmist, but my worry is that media reports have not suitably conveyed the fact that these crocodiles are capable of killing people.
I am especially concerned because Sungei Buloh is visited by children. The National Parks Board should consult zoologists and experts to assess the potential threat and take measures to ensure that visitors do not end up as croc bait.
Crocodile threat underplayed
Straits Times Forum 12 Dec 13;
THE recent sightings of saltwater crocodiles at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve have raised some concerns that have not been appropriately communicated to the public ("Croc spotted on Sungei Buloh reserve's path"; Dec 2).
Saltwater crocodiles are some of the most protective and aggressive predators in the world.
I have travelled through Australia as a travel writer, and in far north Queensland, their threat is taken seriously. There is ample signage indicating crocodile territory, and tour operators and guides will often urge caution when approaching these creatures.
Attacks by saltwater crocodiles on humans have been regularly documented in Australia.
I do not mean to be alarmist but my worry is that the media and National Parks Board (NParks) are not conveying the fact that these crocodiles are capable of killing humans.
What gives me real cause for concern is that Sungei Buloh is visited by children.
I would recommend that NParks consult zoologists and experts to assess the potential threat, and take measures to ensure the safety of park visitors.
Shawn Low
Beef up safety measures, focus on conservation
Straits Times Forum 12 Dec 13;
IT IS rare to come across a 3m-long saltwater crocodile on a path at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve ("Croc spotted on Sungei Buloh reserve's path"; Dec 2).
With Singapore looking to expand its green spaces, the public needs to be educated about the importance of wildlife conservation and safety measures in nature reserves.
The footpaths in the Sungei Buloh reserve should have warning signs to inform visitors about areas where crocodile sightings are more frequent. It is good that the National Parks Board is stepping up patrols to ensure the safety of visitors.
Other safety measures could include emergency phone booths or hotlines to alert park rangers of any crocodile sightings or incidents.
Schools should hold briefings to educate children on the potential dangers and safety protocols when visiting the nature reserve. Visitors should also look out for one another and be proactive in ensuring their own safety.
Education is needed to teach visitors to appreciate the flora and fauna of the reserve. Through school excursions, children can learn many things about nature that are not found in textbooks.
Conservation is an important area that the reserve can look at in keeping track of the many types of wildlife found there. A partnership with the Animal Concerns Research and Education Society and National Geographic to study the crocodiles could help in our understanding of their population growth and prevent them from becoming extinct.
It is important that such studies be done humanely. These could be documented in projects that schools can let their students take part in, to help them appreciate and respect wildlife.
Darren Chan Keng Leong
