Northern Territory saltwater crocodile plan released
ABC 702 Sydney (Sydney), The World Today, 15/04/2009 12:54pm
The Northern Territory Government is making a renewed push for crocodile safari hunting, today releasing a draft five year plan for the management of salt water crocodiles in the Top End, including a proposal for a trial hunt of 25 crocodiles. Safari advocates say that controlled hunting would provide economic opportunities for Aboriginal communities while environmentalists argue that the idea is repugnant. The Govt has ruled out the wide-spread culling of crocodiles in the Darwin region. Alison Anderson, NT Environment Minister, is proposing a management zone for 50kms around Darwin which will see more rangers and traps, but not widespread shooting. Nicola Beynon, Wildlife and Habitats Program Manager, Humane Society International, says there are no guarantees that animal welfare will be adequately taken care of. Beynon says Australians don’t accept animal cruelty. Michaela Johnston, Director, Gupulul Marayuwa Aboriginal Corporation, says there’s already some culling and safari hunting would ensure that crocodiles are not wasted.
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