Teoh Yiaqing with a baby crocodile at the centre in Siburan. Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo.
THE Land of Hornbills, Sarawak is also home to thousands of crocodiles which inhabit the state’s rivers, estuaries and 1,035km coastline.
A census by Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) estimates that the number of crocodiles surged from 13,500 in 2014 to 25,000 last year.
Two species, namely saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) and freshwater species like the false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) reside in the state.
The farm also houses saltwater as well as freshwater crocs like the false gharial..
Compared to their narrow-snout freshwater counterparts, saltwater crocodiles are generally bigger with a wider snout.
The saltwater reptiles tend to dwell in brackish water near river estuaries and mangrove trees along the coastline.
A rise in their numbers have raised concerns of increased conflict with humans.
To identify crocodile hotspots, SFC is developing an app which can monitor the reptiles in real time.
It has also issued more than 170 permits to catch crocodiles to control their numbers.
A crocodile leaping out of the water to feed on meat thrown into its enclosure. — Photos: Bernama
However, efforts are also ongoing to conserve these animals.
A 10.1ha wildlife centre, situated 30km from Kuching, is one such step.
Located in Siburan district, Serian Division, Jong’s Crocodile Farm & Zoo houses some 1,000 reptiles, making it the largest captive breeding farm in Malaysia.
