KOTA KINABALU: Four crocodiles were shot dead on Tuesday (Sept 13) night as wildlife rangers stepped up the hunt for the beast that killed a man in Sandakan's Seguntor River recently.
Sandakan Wildlife Department officer Hussein Muin said on Wednesday (Sept 14) the crocodiles were killed during an operation in the area where a man in his 50s was attacked while crossing the river on a raft.
It could not immediately be determined if any of the slain crocodiles was linked to Friday's (Sept 9) attack, however.
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The victim's severed head was found on Monday (Sept 12) while the rest of his body has yet to be recovered.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Augustine Tuuga said traps were also being set to reduce the threat to people living in nearby settlements.
"We try to eliminate threats to river users where we can.
"We can only shoot at night because during the day, a croc is more alert and will dash into the river at the sight of people," he said.
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Conservationist Dr Benoit Goossens said that based on studies carried out by the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) between 2017 and 2020, there was no indication of an increase in the crocodile population along Sabah rivers.
He said, however, that an increase in crocodile numbers was not likely to be a determining factor in human-animal conflicts.
Goossens, the DGFC director, said increased attacks on humans was more likely due to the loss of natural habitat as well as dwindling food sources, especially large prey like bearded pigs.
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"There has been a (substantial) drop in the numbers of wild bearded pigs following the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak," he said.
"I don't have a magic solution. There is definitely a need for more awareness in those areas with high concentrations of crocodiles until the population of bearded pigs returns.
"I suggest that people avoid bathing in rivers where crocodiles are (known to be) present, and avoid fishing or standing by riverbanks for long hours.
"It is a necessary precaution," he added.
