Kayakers spotted near crocodiles in Sungei Buloh

Nature photographer Ben Lee says he saw at least three adult crocodiles between 8 and 10 feet long in waters near the kayakers on Sunday (May 17). NParks has since confirmed the incident.
Channel NewsAsia 19 May 15;

SINGAPORE: A couple and a young child were seen kayaking in waters where crocodiles were spotted at Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve on Sunday afternoon (May 17), which was confirmed by National Parks Board (NParks) on Tuesday.

The agency said: "NParks officers noticed two adults and a child kayaking within Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Sunday afternoon. When advised by our officers, they were cooperative and immediately left the boundaries of the reserve."

Nature photographer Ben Lee, who was conducting a nature photography session at the time shared pictures of the incident captured with telephoto lens. He said he spied the family near the reserve's main bridge.

Nearby them were att least three adult crocodiles, each between 8 and 10 feet long, he said. The nearest crocodile was just 30 metres away near the mangroves, where the kayak was parked for a break.

At one point, he snapped shots of the man, who was not wearing a life vest, dangling his legs outside of kayak. "The blackish mangrove river that they took refuge at for their short break is infested with crocodiles, and one will never know when any of these crocodiles will make a surprise grab at the man’s leg," he said.

The founder of conservation group Nature Trekker said he has been going to Sungei Buloh for 15 years, and has seen crocodiles eat water monitor lizards, as well as a failed attempt to devour an otter.

Mr Lee told Channel NewsAsia that the kayakers were too far away to hear him yell out a warning.

"The other more worrying factor is what would happen if a canoe were to capsize," he said.

NParks said members of the public are reminded to keep within the designated land trails when visiting the reserve.

- CNA/fs

Trio spotted kayaking in Sg Buloh reserve
Audrey Tan The Straits Times AsiaOne 19 May 15;

NATURE photographer Ben Lee was in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve in Kranji on Sunday afternoon when he zoomed in on an unusual sight: a couple and child kayaking in an inlet in the reserve.

The man, who was not wearing a life jacket, was dangling his legs over the side of the boat.

"It is not just the illegal trespassing that worries me - there is also a safety concern," said Mr Lee, 52, the founder of outdoor exploration group Nature Trekker.

The area is home to a number of wild saltwater crocodiles.

Male saltwater crocodiles generally grow to 5m from snout to tail, and weigh about 450kg.

Last April, a 400kg giant, probably one of the largest to have roamed wild here in decades, was found dead on the Kranji Reservoir grounds.

It is believed to have been killed by poachers.

Mr Subaraj Rajathurai, director of Strix Wildlife Consultancy, stressed that the reptiles will not attack humans unless provoked.

"But feet dangling in the water could look like fish, which is a crocodile's natural prey," he warned.

Mr Lee spotted the trio while he was conducting a photography session at about 2.30pm.

When contacted, the National Parks Board (NParks) said it was aware of the incident.

Said NParks' deputy director of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Mr How Choon Beng: "NParks officers noticed two adults and a child kayaking within Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Sunday afternoon.

"When advised by our officers, they were cooperative and immediately left the boundaries of the Reserve."

He also reminded visitors to keep within the designated land trails when visiting the reserve.