Problem crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) in the freshwater, Katherine River, Northern Territory, Australia

Crocodylus porosus is a species that is potentially dangerous to humans and there are numerous records of fetal attacks by this species on humans. Since the Northern Territory population of C. porosus was declared a protected species in 1971, their populations have risen markedly, increasing the potential for conflict between people and crocodiles. In 1994 C. porosus was observed in the freshwater Katherine River for the first time in over twenty years. To reduce the risk of crocodile attacks, the Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern Territory has operated a program to remove C. porosus from the Katherine River since 1995. Between 1994 and 2004,53 males and 1 female were captured. The mean size of captured crocodiles was 313.9 cm total length. Crocodiles were captured in all months between March and November. The month with the highest rate of crocodile captures was June. The greatest number of crocodile captures were made in the years with the highest wet season rainfall. The results of this study indicate that removal programs need to be conducted throughout the year and highlight the necessity to collect quantitative data on crocodile capture effort.