No way out: Enforcement officers and villagers surround a large saltwater crocodile that was spotted and captured along a beach in Teluk Bahang, Penang. — Drone pic by Zaiem Zamin
GEORGE TOWN: Recent sightings of saltwater crocodiles in unexpected places is a sign that rapid development is pushing them out of shrinking habitats, experts say.
Malaysian Nature Society Penang president Mohd Abdul Muin Md Akil said rapid development in areas such as Batu Kawan and Juru may have driven the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) out of its natural environment.
“These reptiles depend on swampy and riverine areas not only to survive but also to nest and lay eggs.
“Despite being a protected species, little has been done to safeguard their future, especially in terms of habitat protection or restoration,” he said, adding that this could have led to crocodiles being spotted in areas where they were previously never seen.
The trained zoologist was responding to the capture of a saltwater crocodile at Teluk Bahang beach on Tuesday.
He said buaya tembaga, as the species is locally known, is the most widespread crocodile species in Peninsular Malaysia.
He said it is not unusual for them to venture into the sea, as a study in Australia on the same species found that it can migrate more than 700km from its home, with the ability to return to its original territory after that.
He said this makes them a successful migratory species.
“Although this has yet to be studied locally, it might be the same here too,” he said, adding that crocodiles spotted in Penang waters could have originated from nearby estuaries.
He said certain areas, such as the Teluk Air Tawar-Kuala Muda mangroves, recently gazetted as a forest reserve by the state, could serve as potential protection grounds for the reptiles.
“However, without river systems and suitable swampy habitats, crocodiles cannot thrive.
“And without dedicated conservation initiatives, these ancient predators will continue to be displaced from their natural homes,” he warned.
He also clarified that spotting crocodiles in unusual locations is not a sign of population growth.
“It is a sign that their habitats are disappearing. If we want future generations to witness these remarkable reptiles in the wild, we must protect the ecosystems they depend on and start prioritising conservation to ensure their survival,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan) director Mohd Zaide Mohamed Zin said the crocodile captured in Teluk Bahang is a lone male, likely displaced while searching for food.
“Saltwater crocodiles usually stay around river mouths and estuaries, not in open sea.
“This reptile was probably disoriented after losing its natural habitat, almost as if it no longer knows where it belongs,” he said.
He added that there have been no reports of attacks or the crocodiles approaching riverbanks.
“They tend to avoid people when left undisturbed.
“Since they are totally protected under Malaysian wildlife law, anyone who spots one should immediately report it to Perhilitan and never attempt to approach it,” he added.
Saltwater crocodiles can live up to 100 years in the wild, feeding on fish, snails, carrion and occasionally monkeys.
Adult males can grow over 6m long and weigh more than 1,000kg, making them the largest living reptiles on Earth.
They are apex predators, playing a vital role in maintaining the balance of coastal and river ecosystems by controlling fish and aquatic populations.
Experts emphasise that human-crocodile conflicts are rare – as long as habitats remain intact.
However, the loss of wetlands, mangroves and riverbanks – cleared for urban development, aquaculture and agriculture – is forcing crocodiles closer to human settlements.
