PETALING JAYA: Recent crocodile sightings in unlikely areas across the country are causing a stir, with experts saying that more encounters like these are expected due to rapid urbanisation and the changing climate.
Wildlife biologist and former chief executive officer of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia Datuk Dr Dionysius Sharma identified the crocodile sighted near Mid Valley and KL Eco City last month as a saltwater crocodile.
He said this species often resides in the lower reaches of the Klang River, where conditions are more optimal.
“This crocodile is too far upriver and likely strayed from its usual habitat and range.
“One reason the crocodiles might be moving up the river into urban areas is that in their natural environment, dominant adult males defend their territories and often displace younger individuals that have to move into less favourable habitats,” he said.
Sharma said the best way to approach the situation would be to capture and relocate the crocodiles back to the lower parts of the Klang River, where they can be safely monitored by conservation-based non-governmental organisations and the Wildlife and National Parks Department.
Ecotourism and Conservation Society Malaysia president and chief executive officer Andrew Sebastian said crocodile sightings within the city have been ongoing for years and are a product of continuing urbanisation.
“When areas get developed, wildlife lose their habitats. As a result, these creatures tend to forage in new areas,” he said.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia president Meenakshi Raman said the changing climate and ever-increasing rate of development will inevitably lead to more frequent interactions between wildlife and humans.
“We must remember that humans are not the only inhabitants of this planet with its finite resources. The depletion of natural resources will result in a loss for humans and wildlife alike,” she added.
Malaysian Nature Society president Vincent Chow said the public’s response to the crocodile sightings is a reflection of the need for more education and awareness of natural environments and ecosystems.
“It should be a wake-up call for a lot of people in the city,” he said, adding that Malaysians should consider themselves lucky to be able to see wildlife in urban areas.
