The front page news on August 20 of the Sunday Bulletin headlined ‘Croc capture efforts to tackle reptile presence in Brunei waters’ is both crucial and promising.
The safety threat on crocodiles against the public is at least now being addressed by the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism (MPRT) through its Wildlife Division.
The action team under the division for the last five years have to deal with crocodiles in Brunei waters.
Looking at some of the measures and initiatives undertaken, mostly of firefighting in nature, it appears as if such efforts are not fundamentally grounded in any research-based study of the concerned locale.
Although it remains incomplete at this time, conducting this study holds significant importance and should be authorised to provide essential information to the relevant authorities regarding the population, growth rate, spatial distribution, breeding grounds, abundance, unique habitat characteristics, position in the food chain, crocodile farming, conservation efforts, and necessary regulatory actions. Undertaking this study requires dedicated time, funding, and expertise.
A possible collaboration between a related research institution, such as Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), and MPRT through its Forestry Department is recommendable. The study would provide a strong basis for any requisite plan, control, safety and security measures.
Jerantut
