There are fears Australia's famous saltwater crocodiles could become a bigger threat to humans, with ecologists discovering the giant reptile's population is increasing by three percent every year.
Saltwater crocodiles, which can grow up to seven meters in length, were listed as a protected species back in the 1970s, however since hunting the "crocs" was declared illegal, their population has recovered dramatically.
Parks and Wildlife ecologist, Ben Corey told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that the reptiles could soon pose a very real risk to those who live in populated areas in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
"We've been doing surveys of crocodiles in the King River and other parts of (Western Australia) since 1986, and it's the longest running survey we've got for saltwater crocodiles in the Kimberley," Corey said.
"In the early years we'd count between 20 and 40 crocodiles along the 40 kilometers of river, and now in some years we are counting as many as 150 animals along the same area.
"Over time, we've seen an increase in the number of larger crocodiles as well, so this trend is consistent with a population that's recovering from the brink of extinction."
Colleague, Dr Andy Halford said the research points to the crocodiles moving into more urban areas as the population continues to increase.
"I don't think we're surprised by how much (the population has) gone up, but the reality is we're probably looking at a 260 to 300 percent increase in overall numbers on what was around some 30 years ago," he said.
source: Xinhua
GMT 09:59 2017 Saturday ,09 December
Militias, poachers wreak havoc on central Africa's wildlifeGMT 15:16 2017 Thursday ,30 November
Norway to put up fence to stop reindeer slaughterGMT 10:06 2017 Wednesday ,18 October
Human remains found in large Australian crocGMT 12:44 2017 Monday ,16 October
India man-eating tiger dies after being electrocutedGMT 15:16 2017 Sunday ,08 October
White tiger cubs maul keeper to death in IndiaGMT 11:56 2017 Saturday ,07 October
From poacher to ranger: saving China's Siberian tigersGMT 09:37 2017 Wednesday ,27 September
Wildlife groups accused of funding abuses against Pygmies in AfricaGMT 18:57 2017 Tuesday ,26 September
Japan kills 177 whales in Pacific campaign: governmentMaintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2023 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2023 ©