2 year plan to tackle Solomon Islands crocodile problems

The Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Environment Climate Change and Disaster Management is working on two year plan to address an increase in crocodile attacks on people.

The plan will include raising awareness about crocodile hotspots and precautions, exploring options and making policy recommendations for the current crocodile ban and trade.

The ministry also intends to conduct a national survey for crocodile population status, distribution and developing management plan.

The increase in the population of crocodiles is posing to communities particularly to those residing in coastal areas.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has said it will approach the Ministry of Environment to discuss the dangers posed by a growing crocodile population.

Director of Department of Respond Department Stanley Riolo told Radio New Zealand last week that he wanted to reach a long-term solution with the environment ministry.

The Ministry is using social media page to create awareness about the dangers posed by crocodiles.

Salt water crocodiles are currently banned for trade under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna due to the species severe population depletion study conducted in 1998.

The ban is yet to be lifted.

The ministry is advising the communities in coastal areas to be vigilant and take precautions against crocodile attacks.

The Ministry is looking for partners and experts to conduct a survey and find solutions to address the problem.

 

 Photo supplied. Caption: A crocodile caught in Solomon Islands

     

Author: 
Charles Kadamana