Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile Photograph: Tourism NT in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2012-2014

Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile

Photograph: Tourism NTin the Northern Territory of Australia, 2012-2014

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Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile in the Northern Territory

Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2012 - 2014

Parks and Wildlife Service of the Northern TerritoryDepartment of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and SportPO Box 496Palmerston NT 0831

Northern Territory of Australia First Published 2009Revised Draft for public comment June 2012

This work is copyright. It may be reproduced for study, research or training purposes subject to an acknowledgment of the sources and no commercial usage or sale. Requests and enquires concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Chief Executive, Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport, PO Box 496, Palmerston NT 0831, Australia.

CitationLeach G.J., Delaney R. and Fukuda, Y. (2009). Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2009 - 2014. Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport, Darwin.

A management program prepared under the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act.

Program Approval

The Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2012-2014

Approved by the Administrator for the Northern Territory as an approved management program under Section 34(2) of the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act on XXXXXXX.

Approved by the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities as an Approved Wildlife Trade Management Plan under Subsection 303FO(3) of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 on XXXXXXX.

Approval of this program is valid until 31 December 2014.

ContentsDefinitions and Acronyms11.Introduction31.1Aims and Objectives51.2Species51.3Responsible authority51.4 Legislative, national and international obligations51.4.1 Northern Territory51.4.2Commonwealth Government71.4.3International72. Management context92.1 Socio-economic values92.1.1Cultural values92.1.2 Economic92.2 Population estimates and trends112.3Saltwater crocodile habitat122.3.1Protected areas122.3.2 Significant wetlands outside reserves142.4Problem saltwater crocodiles142.5 History of use152.5.1 Indigenous harvest and use152.5.2Commercial harvesting and use153. Threats and impacts153.1Natural predators163.2Drought, flood and climate change163.3 Habitat loss and modification163.4 Entanglement in fishing nets173.5Disease173.6Harvesting general173.6.1Harvesting genetic173.6.2 Harvesting - impacts on other species, habitats and ecosystems174. Management practices and performance measures18Objective 1 - To facilitate the sustainable use of Saltwater Crocodiles184.1 Commercial harvest and use184.2 Permits and compliance244.3 Management-focused research28Objective 2 - To promote community awareness and public safety284.5 Removal of problem crocodiles294.6 Community awareness and participation35Objective 3 - To ensure humane treatment of Saltwater Crocodiles364.7 Animal welfare36Objective 4 - To monitor and report on the impact of the harvest of Saltwater Crocodiles364.8 Monitoring364.9 Reporting395. References40Appendix 1: Saltwater Crocodile Background Information44Appendix 2: Farm Management49Appendix 3: Saltwater Crocodile Densities In The Rivers Monitored In The Northern Territory51Appendix 4: Annual Milestone Matrix for 2012-2014 Program58Appendix 5: Draft Guidelines for the Safari Hunting of Crocodiles in the Northern Territory62

Definitions and Acronyms

AdultsAnimals greater than 7 feet (approx. 2.1 metres) total length are classed as adults. This is a defined size class for the purpose of this Management Program and does not equate to sexual maturity.

CITESConvention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora

Crocodile Products and By-productsIncludes all parts from a crocodile except for skins as defined below.

Crocodile SkinsIncludes raw or tanned belly skins (cut along the back), hornbacks (cut along the belly) and whole skins.

Egg HarvestThe physical removal of an egg from its natural location in the wild and transportation to another location.

EggsUnless otherwise stipulated includes all eggs regardless of whether it is fertile or infertile, with a live or dead embryo.

Eggs - deadEggs that are infertile or contain a dead embryo and/or discarded before placement in an incubator.

Eggs - liveFor the purposes of this Management Program these are eggs initially placed into an incubator.

Eggs - viableEggs that produce a normal hatchling surviving at least one day outside the egg.

EPBC ActEnvironment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Commonwealth legislation.

Harvest CeilingThe Northern Territorys annual maximum allowable number of individuals that can be harvested in each of the defined life stages.

HatchlingAnimals classed as hatchlings are Young-of-the-year and typically less than 2 feet (approx. 0.6 metres) total length.

JuvenileAnimals classed as juveniles are between 2 and 7 feet (approx. 0.6 2.1 metres) total length.

NRETASNorthern Territory Government Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport.

RanchingAs used in the context of CITES, it is the rearing in a controlled environment of specimens taken from the wild.

RDPIFRNorthern Territory Government Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources.

Regional CatchmentCatchment(s) as defined in Australian Surface Water Management Area (2000) that are grouped for monitoring the crocodile harvest in the Northern Territory.

Total LengthAnimal length measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail.

TPWC ActTerritory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act. Northern Territory legislation.

1. Introduction

Saltwater Crocodiles are and always have been serious predators. Co-existing with crocodiles does present challenges to the Territory community. On the other hand, crocodiles also provide significant opportunities. They are a valuable resource to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in northern Australia.A lucrative and uncontrolled trade in saltwater crocodile skins between 1945 and 1971 stimulated intensive hunting that depleted the wild populations to the point of extinction. It was unclear whether the remaining crocodile population had the capacity to recover when full protection of the species was introduced in 1971. By 1979/80, when the population had increased from an estimated base of 5,000 to around 30,000 (Webb et al 1984), a series of fatal and non-fatal attacks occurred in 12 months, along with an increase in other incidents such as attacks on fishing boats. These negative interactions with people threatened the conservation program, which was aimed at rebuilding the wild population back to carrying capacity. Some people opposed any further expansion of crocodile numbers and widespread culling was actively promoted. In the early 1980s the Northern Territory Government implemented an incentive-driven conservation strategy, to inform the public of the environmental and economic benefits of crocodile conservation. Positive incentives were created through commercial activity (tourism, crocodile farming and ranching) and negative incentives countered by an active Problem Crocodile control program. In such an incentive-driven conservation program, there are two fundamental approaches. The first is to ensure that conservation objectives are being met, and the second is to ensure the incentives for conservation are maintained. It is not a case of conservation versus development but rather both benefiting from successful conservation. Ranching of eggs (the commercial collection of eggs from the wild and raising into hatchlings) was considered to be the safest strategy for sustainable use to reward landowners for tolerating crocodiles. This is because the egg stage is an abundant and naturally vulnerable part of the life cycle. Furthermore, it resulted in nesting habitat on private lands becoming a commercial asset worth protecting.In 1985 Australia was successful in having its population of Saltwater Crocodiles transferred from Appendix I to Appendix II of Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) specifically for ranching so that farms could export the skins produced from the harvested eggs they bought from landowners. In 1987, the first NT crocodile management program was approved by the Commonwealth and skins derived from the ranching program began to be exported. In 1994, Australia obtained an unrestricted Appendix II CITES listing to allow landowners with crocodiles, but no nesting habitat, to also receive commercial benefits from crocodiles through a wild harvest.The Northern Territory Government has fostered the crocodile farming industry and in recent years the NT industry has significantly invested in crocodile farming infrastructure to increase their capacity. The resultant increased competition for eggs has increased prices for landowners, including for Aboriginal people in remote areas where opportunities for economic development are sometimes limited. Skin exports are rising and are predicted to rise sharply in future years.This incentive-driven wildlife program has been a major conservation success story that is seldom played out with large and dangerous predators anywhere in the world. Saltwater Crocodiles are no longer a threatened species in the NT and have recovered such that they are now abundant. Saltwater Crocodiles are viewed as a valuable commercial resource, generating wealth and employment which promotes their conservation. The continuation of a viable and economic crocodile farming industry is recognised as the key economic driver for this Management Program. The tourism value of crocodiles both in the wild and in captivity also generates economic activity around the presence of crocodiles in the landscape. The economic value of the crocodile egg harvest is also resulting in environmental gains through improved management practices for weeds, feral animals and fire by landowners to favour crocodile nesting habitat. The Management Program through incentive driven conservation, explicitly encourages management practices that favour the Saltwater Crocodile and protects wetland habitats beyond the boundaries of parks and reserves.Through this Management Program and other strategies, the Northern Territory Government will continue to assist industry to maximise the investment, commercial activity and employment generated through crocodiles so that the industry maintains its role as a well recognised and supported part of the NT economy. The farming industry vision is for the Northern Territory to grow as a world leader in the reliable production of the highest quality Saltwater Crocodile skins.Actions that favour retaining a high abundance of a dangerous predator such as Saltwater Crocodiles bring a heightened responsibility for public awareness and education. The changing circumstances that drove the need for the revised Management Program include:i) An increase in the number of landowners wanting to participate in the crocodile industry;ii) An increasing crocodile population;iii) An expansion of farming capacity;iv) A recognition that previous harvest levels have not been detrimental to the species;v) An increase in the negative interactions between crocodiles and people; andvi) An increasing need for public awareness about crocodiles.This Management Program addresses the balance that is required between conservation goals, sustainable harvest, growing industry, and maintaining public safety. It focuses on mechanisms to improve public awareness and safety, on population dynamics, harvest limits and monitoring the impact of the harvest on population trends. 1.1 Aims and ObjectivesThe aim of this management program is:To ensure the long-term conservation of the Saltwater Crocodile and its habitats in the Northern Territory.

The program has four principal objectives:1. To facilitate the sustainable use of Saltwater Crocodiles;2. To promote community awareness and public safety; 3. To ensure the humane treatment of Saltwater Crocodiles; and4. To monitor and report on the impact of the harvest of Saltwater Crocodiles.

1.2 SpeciesThe Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus Schneider) is one of two species of crocodile found in Australia; the other being the smaller Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni). Subspecies or races have not been described. Further details on the status and ecology of the Saltwater Crocodile are provided in Appendix 1.

1.3 Responsible authorityThe Northern Territory Government through the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS) manage wildlife in the Northern Territory pursuant to the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation (TWPC) Act. The control of all aspects of the harvest from the wild in the Northern Territory is administered under this legislation. Once animals are contained in a farm, the Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources (RDPIFR) has the administrative role for crocodile farming. These responsibilities are outlined in Appendix 2.

1.4 Legislative, national and international obligations

1.4.1 Northern Territory

Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation (TPWC) Act The TPWC Act contains provisions for the management and conservation of native animals including Saltwater Crocodiles. The Saltwater Crocodile is classified as protected wildlife throughout the Northern Territory under Section 43 of the TPWC Act. Section 66 of the Act prohibits the taking or interfering with protected wildlife without a permit issued by the Director of the Parks and Wildlife Commission or their delegate. It is also an offence under Section 66 of the Act to possess or trade in live or dead crocodiles, crocodile eggs or parts of crocodiles without a permit. The Saltwater Crocodile is not classified as threatened in the Northern Territory. It has recovered from the very low population numbers in the 1970s to now being considered a widespread and abundant species and not of any conservation concern.

It is an offence to possess live Saltwater Crocodiles or their eggs except in accordance with a permit issued under Section 43 of the TPWC Act by the Director of the Parks and Wildlife Commission or their delegate (Section 66(2)).

Permits to possess and/or trade in crocodiles may be issued by the Director of the Parks and Wildlife Commission or a delegate in accordance with Sections 55, 56 and 57 of the TPWC Act. The Director may under Section 57 of the Act apply terms, conditions or limitations to the permit to regulate the harvesting and farming of crocodiles.

The taking of wildlife by Aboriginal people for traditional purposes, including food, is provided for under Section 122 of the TPWC Act. Aboriginal people are not bound by hunting regulations or seasons when taking animals for food or other traditional purposes.

Animal Welfare ActThe Animal Welfare Act ensures that animals are treated humanely; cruelty to animals is prevented and community awareness about the welfare of animals is promoted. Crocodiles held in captivity under permit are classified as stock animals under the Animal Welfare Act and persons must not neglect, or commit an act of cruelty that causes an animal unnecessary suffering.

Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Wild and Farmed Australian Crocodiles Animal welfare standards for crocodiles are detailed in this Code. All crocodiles must be managed in accordance with this Code.http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/trade-use/publications/crocodile-code-of-practice.html

Environmental Assessment ActNew developments for the farming, processing and display of crocodiles will need to meet the requirements of this Act. Meat Industries ActFarmed crocodiles may be slaughtered in abattoirs licensed for the slaughter of crocodiles. In addition, the Saltwater Crocodile was declared as a game animal on 10 June 2004 (G24) under the Meat Industries Act which enables crocodiles killed in the wild to be slaughtered for human consumption in licensed game meat abattoirs according to the national code of practice for the slaughter of game animals.

Food ActCrocodile meat is sold for human consumption and this Act provides for the safety and suitability of food for human consumption.

Livestock ActFarmed crocodiles are treated as livestock under this Act which provides for disease surveillance, disease control, identifying and tracing animals and regulating movement of animals and animal products for the purpose of disease control

Integrated Natural Resource Management Plan for the Northern Territory: sustaining our resources people, country and enterprises.

This Northern Territory Government endorsed plan provides the broad framework and a series of actions directly contributing to the conservation of Saltwater Crocodile habitat and for the sustainable use of wildlife such as Saltwater Crocodiles.

1.4.2 Commonwealth Government

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) ActThe EPBC Act regulates imports and exports to and from Australia of all Australian native animals or their parts. The Saltwater Crocodile is a listed marine species under the EPBC Act. This protects the species and limits the circumstances under which they may be taken. Part 13A of the EPBC Act regulates imports and exports of crocodiles and crocodile products. It also fulfils Australias legislative requirements as a signatory party to CITES (see 1.4.3). Section 303CH lists specific conditions that must be met for the export or import of CITES specimens. For CITES Appendix II exports the specimen must be sourced from an appropriate captive breeding or artificial propagation program, an approved wildlife trade operation, or an approved wildlife trade management plan.

This Northern Territory Management Program meets the requirements of the EPBC Act for both international and national activities with Saltwater Crocodiles. This management program therefore complies with an approved Commonwealth wildlife trade management plan pursuant to Section 303FO of the EPBC Act. Commercial export permits for crocodiles are issued under Section 303CG.

A State/Territory management program for wild populations is not required if a State/Territory elects to limit use to captive breeding. However, even crocodile farms based solely on captive breeding in Australia have to be registered under the EPBC Act before permission to export products is granted. Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) ActThis Act establishes the Land Councils. A function of the Land Councils is that they confirm the correct landholders (traditional owners) have given their permission for any commercial wildlife harvest before TPWC Act permits can be issued. This Act also provides for Section 19 Land Use Agreements which should be in place for commercial crocodile harvesting. These agreements can provide the conditions of access to land for the purpose of harvesting and there should be consistency between ALR Act Land Use Agreements and TPWC Act permits.

1.4.3 International

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)All Crocodilians (including alligators, caimans and true crocodiles) are listed on the Appendices of CITES to which Australia is signatory. Those species most threatened in the wild by trade are listed on Appendix I and all remaining species are listed on Appendix II. In most countries C. porosus is listed on Appendix I. However the Australian, Indonesian and Papua New Guinean populations are included in Appendix II which allows international trade subject to the provisions of CITES. The Appendix II listing places controls on international trade in crocodiles and crocodile products through export permits. A CITES export permit is required for all commercial exports and can only be issued if it has been determined that the export will not be detrimental to the survival of the species and that the specimen was legally obtained.

Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention)Australia is also a signatory to the Ramsar Convention. There are plans of management for two of the three Ramsar-listed areas of the Northern Territory (Stages one and two of Kakadu National Park) which protect wetlands and their dependent fauna, including Saltwater Crocodiles. NRETAS is currently developing a plan of management for Cobourg Peninsula (Garig Gunak Barlu National Park).

2. Management context

2.1 Socio-economic valuesIn the Northern Territory, crocodiles are an iconic species that attract considerable publicity and a wide range of community views and opinions regarding their abundance, distribution and cultural and economic importance. Public and political will to continue conserving crocodiles and their habitats is closely linked to the net community value of crocodiles being positive.

2.1.1 Cultural valuesThe importance of crocodiles in Aboriginal culture is reflected in a complex system of totems and ceremonies which is still evident among most coastal Aboriginal communities in northern Australia today (Lanhupuy 1987). Aboriginal communities also regard Saltwater Crocodiles as dangerous animals. The non-Indigenous community has a diversity of views on Saltwater Crocodiles from being reviled and seen as dangerous pests to being admired and recognised as having a significant and rightful place in the natural world. Crocodiles are an important natural resource for many sectors including Aboriginal communities, the tourist industry and the crocodile farming industry.

2.1.2 EconomicHarvestingThe harvesting of crocodiles primarily for their skins but also for their flesh and body parts supports a significant industry in the Northern Territory.

The Northern Territory Government determines the sustainable limits of the harvest and submits the Management Program to the Australian Government for endorsement (see section 1.4.2). The landholder has control over access to the resource. The landholder can therefore decide to: allow or not allow harvest conduct their own harvest or give approval for a third party to conduct the harvest determine the level and form of payment for access to the resource determine any conditions (within legal requirements) they wish to impose on access to the resource.

Egg harvestThe mainstay of the crocodile farming industry is the harvest of eggs from the wild under an annual ranching program. This harvest has operated continuously since the first small trial harvest was conducted in the 1983/84 nesting season. The annual harvest of 50,000 live eggs provides a significant employment and commercial opportunity to landholders, in particular remote Indigenous communities. Although some farms maintain a capacity for captive breeding, the number of eggs generated from captive breeding is less than the wild harvest. During the life of this program, the wild harvest of eggs will continue to be the predominant form of harvest.

Animal harvestIn 1994 all restrictions and conditions on the CITES listing of the Australian population of Saltwater crocodile were removed, which allowed commercial harvesting to expand from the ranching of eggs to the take of hatchlings, juveniles and adults. However, the commercial interest in the harvest of these stages has been small. For example, although there was a quota in the previous Management Program for 500 adults, the commercial take of adults has been less than 100 animals each year for the last six years. The previous plan was approved subject to the safari hunting component being removed. This plan proposes that 50 of the 500 adults be taken for safari hunting. Safari hunting is a specialised form of wild animal harvest where a paying client undertakes the harvest. The Northern Territory Government supports safari hunting, particularly in remote areas, and recognises that it must be strictly controlled with all activities conforming to the highest possible standards of animal welfare and stewardship of the environment. During the life of this Management Program the Northern Territory Government will trial a framework for safari hunting with an emphasis on the opportunities for Indigenous participation, employment and benefit. Benefits to landholders that flow from safari hunting of crocodiles will be considerable, particularly for Aboriginal landholders and those who currently host or run their own pig, banteng and buffalo safari hunting operations.

Safari hunting of banteng, buffalo and pigs already attracts local and interstate hunters who pay not only trophy fees but also for accommodation and other expenses. Safari hunting operations currently provide trophy fees of up to $1,500 per buffalo and $2,900 per banteng to Aboriginal landholders. Further, safari operations on Aboriginal land may provide employment opportunities for Aboriginal landholders in safari operations; either those run by third-party operators or by Indigenous groups.

The inclusion of crocodile safari hunting is expected to increase domestic and international interest in the Northern Territorys existing safari hunting industry. Safari hunting of crocodiles will increase the financial benefits of the current wild harvesting program and will provide a much greater return per animal than other wild harvesting. Safari hunting of crocodiles is projected to provide trophy fees of $5,000 to $10,000 per crocodile to landholders (Indigenous and non-Indigenous). Crocodiles taken by safari hunters will be taken within the current quota for wild harvesting of adult crocodiles. Given the financial gains that are likely to accrue, it is expected that safari hunting will increase the incentive for landholders to protect crocodiles and crocodile habitats. Safari hunting should not be used as a means of controlling problem crocodiles.

The Northern Territorys crocodile management program provides an incentive for Aboriginal communities and land managers to conserve crocodile breeding habitats through payments to landholders by harvesters for each egg or animal collected from their property.

There is a small demand for crocodiles as pets and legally acquired stock can be held as pets under a set of special conditions. A permit to keep is required as detailed under section 4.2.2.

FarmingThe NT position in the world market for farmed crocodile skins is small but occupies an important and significant niche in supplying premium grade skins for high end market fashion accessories. Between 2003 and 2007 the Northern Territory exported on average approximately 6,000 skins per year both interstate and internationally. Recent farm infrastructure expansion and increasing holdings of animals indicates this number will increase significantly. The meat and other products of crocodiles such as teeth and skulls are also marketed. Whilst the farming industry is small in number of businesses, it is substantial in economic output with an annual turnover in the order of several tens of millions of dollars. There are currently six functional crocodile farms in the Northern Territory, which collectively held approximately 86,000 non-hatchling C. porosus as at end of December 2008. The Northern Territory crocodile industry currently directly employs between 60 100 people.

TourismCrocodiles contribute significantly to visitor knowledge of the Top End and viewing crocodiles is an important expectation or even a must for most Top End visitors. In visitor surveys, Tremblay (2003) reported that seeing crocodiles dominates the best experiences in wildlife-viewing. While tourists generally prefer to see crocodiles in the wild and this is an increasingly sought after experience, attractions featuring captive crocodiles are also rated highly and are popular destinations. The Top End offers a wide range of experiences from observing in the wild; modified behaviour in the wild; research/educational displays and captive encounters.

2.2 Population estimates and trendsIn the Northern Territory, unregulated commercial hunting of C. porosus began in 1945 and continued until 1971 when the species was protected due to the marked decline of the population. After protection in 1971, the population of C. porosus in the Northern Territory increased from approximately 3,000 non-hatchlings (individuals >0.6 m total length) in 1971 to between 30,000 and 40,000 individuals in 1984 (Webb et al. 1984). The population of wild non-hatchling C. porosus has continued to increase and in 1994 was estimated to be between 70,000 and 75,000 non-hatchling individuals (Webb et al. 1994).

The current survey and monitoring data provides a measure of the population trend at the sampling sites and by extrapolation a demonstration of the trend for the total population. The principal purpose of monitoring the wild population is to provide an objective means through which any serious general or local decline, due to any cause, can be detected in sufficient time to effect remedial action. The monitoring program also allows rates of change of population size and structure (proportion of different size classes and biomass) to be quantified and assessed, thereby providing an objective basis for adjusting harvest levels as necessary. Details of the long-term population trends are shown in Appendix 3. These statistics do not provide a measure of the total number in the population nor is such a statistic required for management purposes.

The population of Saltwater Crocodiles in the Northern Territory continues to increase as demonstrated by the trend in the pooled data from monitored rivers (Figure 1) and individual rivers (Appendix 3). In some rivers rates of increase have recently slowed and may be approaching relatively stable levels (Delaney et al. 2008; Fukuda et al in prep). There is no suggestion that population trends differ among rivers in catchments that are unharvested, partially harvested, or subject to harvest throughout their area (Appendix 3).

The continuing increase in the Saltwater Crocodile population is also demonstrated by: The biomass of crocodiles in some of these rivers continues to increase, including rivers in which increase in numbers is levelling off (Appendix 3). This is consistent with the expectation of the maturing size and age structure of a large, slow-growing species that is recovering from the threshold of extinction in the 1970s. The distribution of Saltwater Crocodiles is expanding upstream to recolonise accessible freshwater habitats in the Northern Territory (Letnic and Connors 2006). There is an increase in the number of crocodiles that are living in other marginal habitat, such as the coasts and seas (Nichols and Letnic 2008). The number of crocodiles removed from the Intensively Managed zone in the Darwin Harbour has increased in recent years (Section 2.4), indicating that animals in expanding populations continue to disperse in search of living areas (Delaney et al. 2008).

0.002.004.006.008.0010.0012.0014.0016.00197019751980198519901995200020052010Non-hatchling density (sightings/km)

Figure 1: Density of non-hatchling (> 2 ft (= 60 cm) including eyes-only) C. porosus calculated from standardised spotlight surveys in 12 tidal rivers. Protection was in 1971. Closed symbols are from the Mary River and open symbols from all other rivers.

2.3Saltwater crocodile habitat

2.3.1Protected areas

Formal protected areas in the Northern Territory provide a mosaic of secure areas in which Saltwater Crocodiles and their riparian and wetland habitats are protected. They also provide areas where the public can view and learn about crocodiles and their conservation. Significant areas of potential suitable crocodile habitat were identified by overlaying hydrography and vegetation layers on the reserve system boundaries in GIS (Table 1, Figure 2).

Table 1: Protected areas in the NT with significant potential areas of suitable habitat for C. porosusNameArea (km2)Suitable habitat (km2)

Kakadu National Park19 0682 730

Mary River National Park1 217680

Djukbinj National Park553330

Garig Gunak Barlu National Park2 063310

Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve12180

Litchfield National Park1 45940

Vernon Islands Conservation Reserve3330

Harrison Dam Conservation Area3230

Melacca Swamp Conservation Area2320

Keep River National Park31420

Figure 2 shows the predicted favourable Saltwater Crocodile habitat in the Reserve system. The commercial harvest of C. porosus is currently permitted within Djukbinj, Harrison Dam and Melacca Swamp protected areas but is not permitted within Kakadu, Mary River, Shoal Bay, Litchfield, Vernon Islands and Keep River. Saltwater Crocodiles are actively trapped from specific sites in Nitmiluk, Flora, Shoal Bay and Litchfield National Parks as a public safety measure.

Figure 2: Suitable Saltwater Crocodile habitat in the Northern Territory reserve system predicted from hydrography and vegetation layers in GEODATA TOPO 250K Series 3. Suitable habitat are defined by favourable water body types (land subject to inundation, marine swamp, saline coastal flat, swamp, perennial lake, perennial watercourses, and mangrove) mapped to 100 km from the coastline.No harvesting is permitted in Kakadu National Park so it is of particular significance as a protected area for crocodiles given the area of suitable crocodile habitat within this Park.

2.3.2 Significant wetlands outside reserves

A major part of the range of C. porosus in the Northern Territory also lies within either Aboriginal Lands or pastoral lands. Pastoralists, local communities and/or their legal representatives support the maintenance of Saltwater Crocodile habitat by controlling activities likely to be detrimental to the long-term conservation of Saltwater Crocodiles. These protocols and restrictions offer significant protection for wetland areas.

2.4 Problem saltwater crocodiles

One of the most practical and effective responses to improve public safety is to remove crocodiles in areas of high risk for people. Provision has been made for problem crocodile removal in previous Management Programs and crocodiles are removed from areas where they may cause harm to people and their property.

Problem crocodiles are defined broadly as those individuals where one or more of the following applies:

The crocodile has attacked or is about to attack a person or persons; The crocodile is behaving aggressively towards a person or persons; The location of the crocodile makes it a threat or potential threat to human safety or wellbeing; or The activity of the crocodile is affecting the productivity of industry or commercial enterprises.

The program allows for problem crocodiles to be killed and used directly for skin and meat production or captured and used as stock in crocodile farms. Because released crocodiles tend to return quite rapidly to sites of capture (Walsh and Whitehead 1993) and transport and handling is stressful and costly, problem crocodiles are not relocated.

The number of animals that have been captured each year under the problem crocodile program has varied over time (Table 2). This variation is likely to reflect both the increase in the general crocodile population and fluctuations in crocodile activity between years owing to climatic variability (Nichols and Letnic 2008). These figures include crocodiles captured from Darwin Harbour (including Shoal Bay and some tributaries), the Darwin rural area, as well as some from Katherine and other populated or recreation areas.

Table 2: The number of problem C. porosus removed by Parks and Wildlife staff each financial year between 1999 and 2008.

YearProblem CrocodilesYearProblem Crocodiles

1998/19991122003/2004222

1999/20001522004/2005224

2000/20011822005/2006236

2001/20021472006/2007247

2002/20031802007/2008204

2.5 History of use

2.5.1 Indigenous harvest and useCrocodile meat and eggs are thought to have been used as a food source by Aboriginal people for up to 40,000 years (McBryde 1979, Flood 1983). The value of eggs to Indigenous communities lay in the protein they provided to people. In the initial phases of the Northern Territory program in the 1970s nests were bought from landowners for 12 dozen chicken eggs to compensate for the lost nutritional value (G. Webb pers. comm.).

Section 122 of the TPWC Act maintains the right for customary harvest (other than for the purpose of sale) of crocodiles and their eggs by Aboriginal people. The number of eggs and non-hatchling crocodiles traditionally harvested annually in 1990s was estimated to be around 2,000 individuals (PWCNT 1998). Based on surveys conducted in central Arnhem Land between 2003-4, the subsistence use of crocodiles in areas where they are relatively abundant is negligible (A Griffiths (NRETAS), G Wightman (NRETAS) and J Altman (ANU), pers. comm.). This outcome is similar to surveys conducted in 1980 at the same location (Altman 1987). The declining subsistence use of crocodiles is likely to be an interplay between retaining crocodiles because of their commercial value and a shift to preferred meat sources such as buffalo, pig and wallaby. No dedicated monitoring is required for subsistence use of crocodiles.

2.5.2 Commercial harvesting and useSaltwater Crocodiles were commercially hunted in the Northern Territory before they were protected in 1971. Experimental egg harvests commenced in 1983 for C. porosus and ranching operations with CITES approval commenced in 1987. Initial management programs for crocodiles (C. porosus and C. johnstoni) in the Northern Territory included harvest of eggs, hatchlings, juveniles and adults from the wild to rear in captivity for production. The 1998 management program (PWCNT 1998) also allowed non-hatchlings to enter trade directly after harvesting, without the need to spend time in a farm. However, the poor quality of skins from wild animals means this source is rarely used. Numbers harvested increased from 17 individuals in 1997 to 158 individuals in 2001 but subsequently reduced to 65 individuals in 2007. This does not include problem crocodiles removed by NRETAS. The harvest of eggs is a critical component of the Northern Territory crocodile industry. Since farming started in the early 1980s, the total number of eggs collected has increased from 135 in 1984 to a maximum of 40,702 in 2006-07.

3. Threats and impactsExisting patterns of land use (chiefly pastoral, reserves and Indigenous lands) are generally consistent with retaining large wetland areas and their dependent crocodile populations. Groombridge (1987) and Jenkins (1987) have detailed potential threats to crocodile populations worldwide. As with all crocodilian species, most threats (direct and indirect) impacting C. porosus are anthropogenic in origin. Within the life of this program there are no perceived or likely threats to the conservation status of C. porosus in the Northern Territory and all predictions indicate that the species will continue to be abundant. The impact of climate change through changes in sea levels, rainfall patterns and probable vegetation changes is an unquantified and largely unknown impact on the Saltwater Crocodile. The public demands for more intense crocodile management in areas close to human habitation will result in the localised removal of increased numbers of animals. However, real or perceived changes to public attitudes and any subsequent reduced tolerance of crocodiles will not impact on the broad-scale maintenance of a viable Northern Territory-wide population of Saltwater Crocodiles.

3.1 Natural predatorsThe only significant predator of adult crocodiles apart from humans is other crocodiles with larger Saltwater Crocodiles eating small animals of both species. There are predators of young hatchlings such as fish (e.g. barramundi) and birds (e.g. Black-necked Stork) and other species such as Goannas can be predators of eggs. Saltwater Crocodiles are thought to be little affected by Cane Toad (Rhinella marina, formerly Bufo marinus) poisoning (van Dam et al. 2002; Letnic 2008), possibly because the species is continuously distributed from Australia to south-east Asia where other related toad species are also found.

3.2 Drought, flood and climate changeDrought can have a significant but not long-lasting impact on C. porosus populations unless coupled with other factors. Heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, particularly associated with cyclones can cause localised egg and juvenile mortality (Webb and Smith 1987).

One of the major effects of climate change is an anticipated rise in sea level with conservative estimates (Hennessy et al. 2004, 2007) anticipating an increase in sea level of 50 centimetres by 2100 and a corresponding loss of coastal floodplain systems and wetland habitat. These calculations do not take into account other anticipated and compounding changes such as further saltwater intrusion or changes in hydrology and in weed and feral animal distributions and increased temperature. As temperature determines the sex of hatchlings, long-term temperature changes could also effect the population structure. The predictions of more frequent and intense dry season wildfires and severe storm events may have negative impacts on nesting vegetation, food sources and survivorship rates. However, changes may also create opportunities for crocodiles to expand their distribution. The possible impacts of climate change remain in the realm of prediction and modeling and over a time frame much longer than the life of this Management Program. As such they cannot be mitigated within this program but monitoring should be capable of detecting significant population changes through whatever cause.

3.3 Habitat loss and modificationThe habitats of C. porosus in the Northern Territory are generally not threatened by development although current and proposed clearing in the Daly and Katherine regions may have indirect long-term impacts. There is anecdotal evidence that Saltwater Crocodiles are affected by the invasion of freshwater wetlands by introduced plants such as Mimosa pigra including through reducing the availability of nesting habitat. Anecdotal reports indicate that the removal of Mimosa is likely to increase Magpie Geese and crocodile nesting. Since the 1970s, disturbance of floodplain habitats by feral buffalo was greatly reduced following eradication campaigns with a resultant improvement in nesting habitat. There are increasing numbers of buffalo and pig which will cause concern as these negatively impact on nesting vegetation. The increasing value of crocodile eggs is encouraging improved control of M. pigra, feral herbivores and fire by landowners to favour crocodile nesting habitat (RMCG 2008).

3.4 Entanglement in fishing netsEntanglement in fishing nets is known to cause crocodile deaths in Australia. Losses of C. porosus due to accidental capture and drowning in barramundi fishing nets were documented and assessed in the early 1980s (Webb et al. 1984). Since these surveys commercial fishing has been banned within a number of river systems that are important nesting habitats for C. porosus, such as the Mary, Roper and Alligator Rivers. Fishermen are not permitted to use wild crocodiles that drown in their nets. Recent internal RDPIFR reports show that crocodile mortality due to drowning in fishing nets during 2007 and 2008 was less than 30 individuals.

3.5 DiseaseThere appear to be no significant diseases of wild crocodiles that present a major threat to the wild population. Intensive animal husbandry of any species can create conditions which lead to high mortality due to disease and this is true for crocodiles. There were significant hatchling losses in some farms due to a disease outbreak in 2006.

3.6 Harvesting generalOver the 25 years of harvesting in the Northern Territory it is clear that the harvest has been managed to deliver the primary objectives of sustainable, viable crocodile populations (Appendix 3). The harvest has not been a threat to the species.

3.6.1 Harvesting geneticThe harvest of crocodiles and crocodile eggs is widely dispersed and unlikely to have an impact on the genetic integrity of the population.

3.6.2 Harvesting - impacts on other species, habitats and ecosystemsMost eggs are collected by helicopter, which has no impact on soil erosion, water bodies, watercourses, wetlands or drainage systems. The very small numbers of eggs and non-hatchling crocodiles taken, mostly by boat, mean that these operations also do not significantly adversely impact the habitat.

There is no evidence or expectation that the commercial harvest is likely to have any impacts on threatened species or ecological communities of conservation significance or that it will cause disturbance or displacement to native fauna. Similarly there is no evidence as yet that commercial harvest helps introduce or disperse invasive weeds although there is a possibility that the floats of helicopters could be a vector for aquatic weeds such as Salvinia or Eichhornia. It is becoming apparent that landholders are increasingly managing land to favour crocodile nesting habitat which means efforts to reduce mimosa, pigs and buffalo, and to manage fire will favour establishing nesting vegetation. Large crocodiles take introduced herbivores such as buffalo, cattle and pigs but the overall impact on these feral populations is probably negligible.

4. Management practices and performance measures

To achieve the aims and objectives of this management program, NRETAS in conjunction with RDPIFR implements a range of management practices to control the harvest, farming and trade of Saltwater Crocodiles in accord with the TPWC Act and the EPBC Act. Performance indicators are provided for each management practice. The milestones and performance measures for the life of this program are summarised in Appendix 4.

Objective 1 - To facilitate the sustainable use of Saltwater Crocodiles

4.1 Commercial harvest and use

Restrictions on live animal harvestingThe Northern Territory Government will seek to maintain the presence of a visible crocodile population and large iconic (generally 4.5 m) individuals through the creation of zones where harvesting of life cycle stages other than eggs is restricted. Harvesting will be prohibited or restricted in some areas or circumstances if necessary to maintain local or regional populations or to maintain non-use benefits from the species. Large individuals can be removed wherever there is a public safety or livestock concern. In general, harvesting of juvenile and adult crocodiles will not normally be permitted:1. In waterways where the watercourse forms the boundary between two or more properties.2. In catchments that are heavily used by the tourism and fishing industry e.g. the Mary River catchment downstream of the Arnhem Highway, the Adelaide River catchment downstream of the Marrakai Crossing, the East Alligator River, and the Daly River catchment west of Oolloo Crossing. Where low level harvest is permitted such as for skins, farms or for safari hunting, it will be strongly regulated to ensure that tourism interests are not damaged.3. From sites where crocodiles are particularly significant to local Indigenous people.

Performance IndicatorEnsure all harvest permits minimise the possible negative impact on, or conflict with, tourism, social or cultural interests.

Harvest ceilingThe harvest ceilings covering both eggs and animals that have developed through previous management programs were based on an adaptive management approach through implementation of a conservative harvest, monitoring the impact of that harvest and subsequent adjustment of the harvest. The harvest ceilings were set well above what was anticipated to be collected and well within what was considered sustainable.

The total number of C. porosus that can be taken commercially within the Northern Territory in a financial year, or for eggs during a nesting season, within this program is shown in Table 3. There is no requirement for the Northern Territory Government to allow the full harvest ceiling to be taken in any year.

Table 3: Annual ceiling for the harvesting of crocodiles and their eggs from the wild. Numbers are set for the financial year to include the nesting season. The egg ceiling is based on live eggs.

Stock2009/20102010/20112011/201212012/20132013/2014

Eggs50,00050,00060,00060,00070,000

Hatchlings500500500500500

Juveniles400400400400400

Adults500500500500500

1 The egg ceiling shown in 2011, 2012, and 2013 is an indicative increment based on appropriate monitoring results and sustainability considerations.

Egg HarvestThe use of egg numbers as the basic measurement of the egg harvest has remained unchanged and will continue in this program. The harvest ceiling permits and egg allocation will be based on live eggs (see definitions). This change addresses concerns from both industry and regulators. A practical compliance measure at an early stage in the harvest/farming process is now the measure of eggs placed into the incubator. Royalties to the Northern Territory Government will continue to be based on viable eggs.

The natural mortality of eggs in the wild is usually high but varies depending on the weather (Webb and Manolis 1993). It has been suggested that the mortality of crocodiles at each stage of their life cycle (hatchling, juvenile and adult) is partially dependent on the density of larger crocodiles that prey upon and competitively exclude smaller crocodiles (Webb and Manolis 1993). Because a very low percentage of eggs/hatchlings would normally survive to later age classes in the wild (Webb and Manolis 1993) and the current harvest represents a very small proportion of the total number of eggs laid each year (NRETAS internal data), it is unlikely that the harvesting of crocodile eggs at current rates will substantially affect the size or age structure of the population (Appendix 3). Continued monitoring will insure that the proposed level of egg harvesting remains sustainable.

Currently 10 of the 12 monitored rivers are harvested. All monitored rivers have shown an increase in both abundance and biomass (Appendix 3). This is consistent with the continued increase in the overall population in the Northern Territory (Figure 1) and it supports continuing with an adaptively managed increase in the egg harvest.

Recent levels of egg harvest have been approaching 40,000 eggs. It is proposed to commence this program with an increased ceiling of 50,000 live eggs for at least the first two years of the program.

Non-hatchling harvestThe increased focus by industry on harvesting eggs has been paralleled by a decreasing take of non-hatchlings. The recent commercial take of adults has been less than 100 animals each year between 2003 and 2009 which demonstrates the previous quota of 500 is in excess of what is needed. Quotas firstly need to be demonstrably sustainable but they should also be reflective of the needs of public safety and industry. Accordingly the ceiling of each of the juvenile and adult size classes is reduced by 100 individuals from the previous program.

The safari hunting of crocodiles will be trialled during the life of this program. Safari hunting has been allocated a Territory-wide quota of 50 animals per annum, noting that not all the quota need be allocated. This quota of 50 animals is included within the quota for the wild-harvesting of adult crocodiles (Table 3). A minimum size limit for crocodiles taken by safari hunters will be 3.5 m. There will be no maximum size limit but the hunting of large iconic crocodiles will be subject to the restrictions detailed previously (see 4.1 Commercial harvest and use Restrictions on live animal harvesting p.18) and to a case by case assessment through the permit process. For safari hunting the method is restricted to shooting (see Appendix 5) and the take of animals must comply with the Code of Practice on the Humane Treatment of Wild and Farmed Australian Crocodiles.

Further consultation in the form of meetings and workshops will be undertaken with a broad range of stakeholders within twelve months of safari hunting being approved under the management plan in order to streamline the guidelines presented in Appendix 5. Stakeholders to be consulted will include Indigenous landholders and pastoralists, safari operators and tourism operators within the range of the saltwater crocodile in the Northern Territory, the Northern Territory and Australian Government agencies with responsibility for crocodile management, the Northern, Tiwi and Anindilyakwa Land Councils, the NT Cattlemens Association , the Safari Hunters Association of Australia and animal welfare agencies.

These consultations would finalise the detailed specific requirements for safari operations contained in the guidelines presented in Appendix 5, would determine the specifics of the allocation of crocodiles for safari hunting across the Top End of the Northern Territory, and would finalise specific requirements for the issuing of a permit by the responsible Northern Territory government department (NRETAS).

The Australian Government department responsible for administering the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (the EPBC Act) will be notified of any changes to the guidelines which will then decide if the changes are significant enough to require approval by the Australian Government minister. The actual trial would not be conducted until after this additional consultation is completed and any significant changes to the guidelines have been approved by the Commonwealth minister (if required) or the Australian Government department responsible for administering the EPBC Act.

Harvest reviewThe maximum harvest ceiling of all life stages will be reviewed every 2 years immediately after the population surveys have been completed and analysed. Should the monitoring indicate that populations are increasing or remaining stable and the harvest impact is within the established sustainable limits then further increasing the maximum harvest ceiling will be considered. Conversely, should declining trends be demonstrated then the need for harvest restrictions will be assessed as outlined in Section 4.8. This Management Program provides for two indicative egg harvest increments in years 3 and 5 of the Program. The consideration and justification for any changes in the harvest ceiling will be presented within the required reporting framework.

The Director of the Parks and Wildlife Commission may vary the ceiling, provided that, in the case of an increase, the Australian Government has provided endorsement of the change in writing.

Prior to making a decision to revise the ceiling, the Northern Territory Government will consider the following: current trends in population size and structure; climatic or environmental effects on the population; management objectives for specific areas; proportion of total habitat subject to harvesting; any non-commercial mortality events within populations; review of previous harvests; review of past and current research results; and any other information considered relevant by the Director of the Parks and Wildlife Commission.

Local sustainable harvest levels within specific areas of land subject to harvesting will be determined after similar considerations. The geographic basis for this will be based on regional catchments as defined in Figure 3. The current percentage of egg harvest in each catchment reflects a number of historic parameters such as access to helicopters, productivity and ease of collection, and landholder interest in the industry (Figure 3). The percentages have not been fixed for future seasons. An improved GIS database to assist with both the allocation of eggs and the assessment of harvest effort and compliance will be developed.

If demand for eggs is greater than the ceiling, the Northern Territory Government will apply a set of criteria/principles to apportion eggs to applicants to remain within the harvest ceiling. The process will be conducted to ensure the allocation is equitable and transparent. The criteria will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and made available on the web at (http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/programs/crocsustain/pdf/criteria_crocegg_allocation.pdf).

The harvest levels set out in Table 3 are both conservative and adaptive, and populations harvested at these levels are expected to fluctuate primarily in response to environmental conditions such as rainfall and the availability and quality of breeding habitat (Fukuda et al. 2007).

Figure 3: Regional catchments used for C. porosus egg allocation. The percentage of the egg harvest allocated to each region shown is averaged from the collecting seasons of 2003/04, 2004/05, 2005/06 and 2006/07. These proportions are not static and are expected to vary between years and over time.

Precautionary approachThe following attributes of the species and the harvest introduce a number of precautionary elements. Some of these can be applied as measures which can be implemented should a serious decline (see section 4.8) be detected that merits management intervention.

Resilience of the speciesThe Northern Territory crocodile population is inherently strongly resilient and able to rapidly recover as exemplified by the extraordinary recovery from near extinction after protection in 1971. The survey data shows that the population structure is shifting to proportionately larger crocodiles (Appendix 3). Given the large number of eggs laid each year (average clutch size 50) and their high mortality due to flooding (Webb and Manolis 1993), an increased level of egg harvest is expected to have little impact on hatchling recruitment. The species is also highly mobile and able to disperse widely.

MonitoringThere is regular population monitoring and the frequency of this monitoring can be increased should it be required. This means it is possible to detect an adverse trend and implement corrective actions within an appropriate time frame relative to the life cycle attributes of the Saltwater Crocodile (see section 4.8).

Harvest EfficiencyCurrently not all eggs can be collected from all areas due to the difficulty in finding nests, accessibility and the increasing costs with increased remoteness.

Non-harvest areasA system of non-harvest areas provides a safety net to ensure hatchling recruitment into the population. The primary non-harvest area is the West and South Alligator Rivers within Kakadu National Park. The existing monitoring surveys include harvested and non-harvested rivers and this provides the means to investigate if there is a relationship between any population changes and the extent of any harvesting impact.

Ranching with return to the wildThe original concept of ranching in the context of CITES is based on a percentage of ranched individuals being returned to the wild to maintain the natural recruitment of hatchlings into the population. The high mortality of the earliest life cycle stages is therefore avoided and such a release should enhance recruitment into the population.

Due to the increasing crocodile population in the Northern Territory there has never been a requirement to release hatchlings or older stages back into the wild in the ranching program. Such a regular system of release is unlikely to be logistically practical in the Northern Territory. Additional constraints to the cost and logistics include increased risk of disease introduction into the wild population and the fitness of captive raised individuals for reintroduction into the wild.

Nevertheless reintroduction remains a feasible option that can be implemented if needed to address a serious decline in the population at the local or broader level.

Performance IndicatorsDevelop and implement a GIS database to assist with both allocation of eggs and monitoring harvest effort and compliance.Investigate and take appropriate action on all suspected local impacts on the population.Instigate adaptive management actions should there be any increased threats to the Saltwater Crocodile and their habitat.Ensure the harvest ceiling is set in accordance with the provisions of this management program.Assess all permit applications and ensure egg allocation is distributed across harvest regions in accordance with the provisions of the management program.

4.2 Permits and complianceCommercial use will be regulated by issuing individual permits under Section 55 of the TPWC Act. The NRETAS web site provides details of the types and conditions of permits relating to wildlife ( http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/permits/index.html ). Commercial operations are subject to review under the Environmental Assessment Act when established. The commercial processing of farmed crocodile meat from the live animal up to leaving an abattoir is covered under the Meat Industries Act. Food products after leaving the abattoir are regulated by the Food Act. Packaging is labelled to identify the contents as coming from an approved wildlife trade management program.

4.2.1Permits to takeCrocodylus porosus is protected in the Northern Territory. The removal of any crocodiles from the wild (animals or eggs; live or dead) requires a Permit to Take from the Northern Territory Government, or on Commonwealth land such as Kakadu National Park, a permit from the Australian Government. Permits to Take must be linked to a Permit to Keep if the specimens are retained. Permit applications must include details on the method, extent and location of the proposed harvest. All permits for harvesting will require the written consent of the landholder. Permits are normally for one year but egg harvesting permits may on request be issued for up to three years. New multiple year egg harvest permits will be issued on the basis of an annual allocation. The allocations for years two and three will be assessed and adjusted each year as part of a rolling program. The closing date for egg permit applications for each season will be 31st August.

The permit holder must provide the Northern Territory Government with a written report on activities conducted under the permit. This report should include details on the number of animals (including eggs) taken, skin tag numbers if relevant, the size and sex of each crocodile that was taken, and a GPS location of the harvest. In the case of egg collections, returns must be lodged by 31st July and the report should provide detail of all eggs including the number of live eggs harvested at each collection site with GPS location and the number of viable eggs produced. Annual reports/returns need to be submitted each year for a multi-year permit. Failure to lodge a return or the inclusion of insufficient or incorrect information in the permit return may result in issuing a warning letter, caution notices, an infringement notice, the refusal of future permit applications, revocation of permits and/or prosecution.

The Northern Territory Government may cancel a permit at any time if information becomes available that indicates that conservation management measures may be required to protect a C. porosus population. Compliance with the Code of Practice (see Section 1.4.1) will be a condition of all permits issued for harvesting crocodiles.

4.2.2Permits to keepA Permit to Keep from the Northern Territory Government is required to keep and/or trade C. porosus and/or its parts. A Permit to Keep C. porosus in captivity is subject to annual renewal and compliance with the provisions of the TPWC Act and the Animal Welfare Act. Compliance with the Code of Practice (see Section 1.4.1) will be a condition of all permits issued to keep crocodiles. Crocodiles kept as pets also require a Permit to Keep with a particular set of permit conditions. These conditions can be found at the following link http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/permits/croc.html

Farm records are administered by RDPIFR and the responsibility for farm records vests with RDPIFR. The holder of the Permit to Keep is required to provide monthly farm records to RDPIFR detailing stock gains/losses, transfers, sales, mortality, and skin and meat processing figures. Crocodile farms are also required to submit the details of all animals held on the annual permit return to NRETAS. This information is used to compare farm holdings with wild harvest permit returns and ensure compliance with wild harvest permits. In the case of wild caught animals annual returns are to be provided to NRETAS.

Individuals or companies trading products derived from Saltwater Crocodiles taken under this Management Program are required to maintain detailed records, and to mark such products (excluding skins) with a product label in accordance with the NRETAS product label guidelines. NRETAS issues product labels for finished products on a cost recovery basis or producers can print the required information on their own labelling and packaging. The minimum requirement for an approved product label is that the label:

states that this is a crocodile product produced in accordance with an approved management program; shows the permit number of the Permit to Keep that the product was produced under; and shows the date that the product label was affixed to the product.

These labels provide the means to identify products as originating from a legitimate source. Failure to lodge a return or the inclusion of insufficient or incorrect information in the permit return may result in issuing a warning letter, caution notices, an infringement notice, the refusal of future permit applications, revocation of permits and/or prosecution.

4.2.3Permits to export and importA permit issued under the TPWC Act is required to export (including re-export) wild caught, commercially farmed and captive-bred C. porosus or its parts from the Northern Territory to other Australian States and Territories. Permits for the export of live animals or parts derived from wild caught animals are obtained from NRETAS. Permits for export of parts derived from ranched or captive-bred animals are obtained from RDPIFR.

The overseas export of shipments of live crocodiles and commercial shipments of crocodilian skins, products or by-products from Australia requires an additional CITES permit from the Australian Government department responsible for administering the EPBC Act. RDPIFR provides skin tags and permits on behalf of the Australian government for commercial shipments of skins from crocodile farms. Other international exports will require an export permit from NRETAS prior to the Australian Government issuing a CITES permit.

Under CITES provisions for personal effects, crocodilian products can leave Australia within a passengers personal luggage without a CITES permit if they are personally owned, non-commercial, legally acquired, and no more than four items are carried per person. If sourced in the NT, these items should have a product label attached stating that the crocodilian product is derived from an approved management program (see section 4.2.2).

An import permit issued by the Australian Government responsible for administering the EPBC Act is required for the commercial shipment of crocodilian products or their parts entering the Northern Territory from overseas. A Northern Territory import (including re-import) permit, issued under the TPWC Act is required for all shipments of crocodiles or their parts entering the Northern Territory from within Australia. Imports from other Australian jurisdictions should also be accompanied by an export permit from that jurisdiction. Import permits for live animals are issued by NRETAS and are valid for one month. Import permits for crocodile products are issued by RDPIFR.

4.2.4Permits and returnsThe farm Permit to Keep requires that the farm submit monthly farm records (see section 4.2.2). Data from the monthly returns of crocodile farms is collated and submitted to RDPIFR, published in annual reports by NRETAS and submitted to the Australian Government in compliance with the EPBC Act. Submitting production data to RDPIFR is a requirement of the Permit to Keep. RDPIFR conduct annual hatchling audits on all farms to validate monthly returns.

Shipment InspectionsAn AQIS health declaration and certification of any skins and hides is required for international shipment and is supplied by RDPIFR. All international shipments of crocodile products are inspected by a RDPIFR officer. Shipments are inspected to ensure that they comply with the conditions and details on the export permit. Once a shipment is inspected and sealed by a RDPIFR officer it can be exported.

SkinsEach whole skin, whole belly skin and, whole hornback skin and trophy skin entering trade or being exported will be marked with a non-reusable orange plastic skin tag issued by the Australian Government in compliance with the provisions of CITES Resolution Conf. 11.12. http://www.cites.org/eng/res/11/11-12.shtml. Excised backstraps are packaged into a carton and the skin tag is attached to the carton. The permit issued for backstraps states that the tag is attached to the box and records the total number of backstraps in the carton.

Each farm completes a Specimen Export Record (SER) which states the skin tags have been attached to either whole skins or cartons of backstraps and returns it to the Australian Government responsible for administering the EPBC Act. Each skin tag is uniquely numbered and the number serves as an identification number for all subsequent record keeping related to the skin of that particular animal. RDPIFR is responsible for issuing skin tags on a cost-recovery basis. Skin tags are issued annually.

FleshFlesh is packed in cartons that are marked to show that the enclosed product is a farmed product. Producers can use pre-labelled cartons which state that the contents are perishable and needs to be kept frozen or kept cold. Alternatively flesh can be sealed in standard cartons using specially marked green tape printed with contents are perishable and needs to be kept frozen or kept cold. This labelling requirement applies to both domestic and international shipments. The labelled tape is available from RDPIFR.

By-productsLarge parts (e.g. skulls), minor parts and derivatives of animals exported under the program are labelled with a product label in accordance with the NRETAS product label guidelines NRETAS (see section 4.2.2).

Manufactured items (excluding tanned whole skins)Manufactured items are identified with a product label in accordance with the NRETAS product label guidelines (see section 4.2.2).

4.2.5ComplianceThe Northern Territory Government implements the following actions as measures to enforce compliance: random checks may be conducted on eggs and farm stock to ensure compliance with permit conditions and reporting; remote surveillance is conducted on random crocodile nests in known locations; data collected on eggs and hatchlings will be linked and compared to ensure the smooth transition between different Northern Territory Departmental auditing systems; NRETAS will work collaboratively with other jurisdictions (i.e. Kakadu National Park, Queensland, Western Australia, Australian Government and tanneries etc) as preventative actions to eliminate the possibility of illegal trade of eggs, animals or products interstate; and NRETAS will investigate any reported potentially illegal incident and take legal action where sufficient evidence is obtained.

The Northern Territory Government has the capacity to develop and introduce permit conditions should any new additional compliance measures be needed.

Performance IndicatorsEnsure that the annual commercial harvest of Saltwater Crocodiles does not exceed the approved ceiling for each category.Assess applications and issue permits under the TPWC Act.Monitor and audit harvest applications, approvals and returns and investigate and resolve any discrepancies.Ensure all permit applications have correct landholder approval.Ensure monthly farm stock returns comply with permit conditions and are reported half yearly to farms and NRETAS.Audit farm hatchlings annually.Ensure compliance with the issue of skin tags and permits.Conduct random checks on farm stock numbers.Review permit conditions annually and amend where necessary.Ensure compliance with permit conditions is at or near 100% and addressing permit breaches through warning letters, caution notices, infringement notices or prosecution is at or near 100%.

4.3 Management-focused researchManagement decisions will be enhanced by focused new research and analysis of existing data.

The Northern Territory Government will continue to review and analyse previous available data to describe changes to Saltwater Crocodile populations and their distribution over that time period. This will include a risk analysis for the Darwin rural area that will identify high risk hotspots which can be targeted for more frequent surveillance and intensive management actions (see Objective 2).

The harvest system will draw on harvest modelling to aid decision-making. Harvest modelling will provide an additional decision support tool to assess harvest options and possible impacts at different spatial scales.

NRETAS may issue permits for research on crocodiles. Crocodiles or any crocodile products taken under a research permit will not be considered as part of this management program unless they enter into commercial trade. Any live eggs that arise from permitted research activities that enter the commercial farming system will be included within the ceiling and reporting to the Australian Government. Non-viable eggs collected for permitted research activities will be excluded from the egg ceiling. Additional viable eggs can be obtained for legitimate research provided they do not enter the commercial industry. These eggs would be subject to the normal conditions and processes covered under any research proposals that use wildlife. Resultant hatchlings must be retained under a Permit to Keep or humanely euthanized.

Performance IndicatorsReview and analyse available data to describe changes to Saltwater Crocodile populations and their distribution and publish the outcomes as appropriate.Develop population/harvest simulation models to provide an additional decision support tool to assess harvest options and possible impacts.

Objective 2 - To promote community awareness and public safety

4.4Risk assessmentA risk management approach to minimise negative interactions with people is critical to any management process that endeavours to maintain a top order predator such as Saltwater Crocodiles in the landscape. Approaches need to be capable of responding to interactions in remote areas as well as highly populated centres. In particular, the expansion of the Darwin rural area and the increased number of people choosing to live a rural lifestyle is increasing the potential interactions with crocodiles. The three basic approaches that can be adopted to improve public safety are: reducing crocodile numbers in areas where people and crocodiles significantly overlap; increasing public awareness and responsibility; and increasing barriers to prevent either human entry to the water or the movement of crocodiles into high public-use areas.

The most effective management response will depend on the size of the area to be managed, the practicality of actions and the level of risk. For the Darwin rural area data sources such as human population density and growth, crocodile population trends, problem crocodile capture records and GIS layers of habitat and watercourses will help identify high risk hotspots which can be targeted for more frequent and active surveillance. Such a risk analysis will allow the areas that require new or increased management interventions and the nature and scale of that management response to be identified and targeted.

There will be only a very limited range of circumstances where crocodile densities can be reduced to near zero and effectively no circumstances where the density can be guaranteed to be zero. The only safe assumption is that any body of water in the Top End may contain large and potentially dangerous crocodiles. Many waterways that are isolated in the dry season are connected to other river systems during the wet season, allowing crocodiles to move over a large area. The common name of Saltwater Crocodile is something of a misnomer and perhaps creates some misconceptions that the species is confined to saltwater/estuarine habitats. Saltwater Crocodiles have always been found not only in coastal and tidal rivers, but also in floodplains, billabongs, and freshwater streams and habitats hundreds of kilometres inland. The expanding crocodile population also means that animals are recolonising and turning up in areas where they have not been seen for many years.

Performance IndicatorsAnalyse the risk of areas where human interaction with crocodiles may occur and prepare options for the appropriate level of management options.Analyse problem crocodile capture data to assess trends and identify areas of increasing risk to humans.Develop and implement a CROCWISE plan to educate and heighten the awareness of the dangers of crocodiles in the Northern Territorys waterways.

4.5 Removal of problem crocodilesThe Northern Territory Government has specialist staff-members within the Parks and Wildlife Service who remove problem crocodiles. Problem crocodiles in remote areas can be dealt with firstly by the Parks & Wildlife Service crocodile team or by Park Rangers if they are nearby and available. Secondly permits can be issued to community-based ranger groups or landowners to deal with the problem animal. Thirdly police officers can be instructed to shoot a problem animal.

Captured crocodiles close to large population centres are purchased by crocodile farms. Crocodiles captured under a Permit to Take will be counted against the ceiling for wild harvest. Problem crocodiles removed by Northern Territory Government staff are not counted against the ceiling for wild harvested crocodiles.

In some areas, such as around Darwin, the Katherine River near Katherine and designated swimming areas in National Parks (e.g. Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park), any C.porosus, regardless of size, is considered a problem animal. These areas are intensively managed through an active trapping and surveillance program to maintain a very low crocodile density (Table 4). All areas subject to intensive management and the associated management actions will be identified in the CROCWISE plan.

Dealing with problem crocodiles needs to be expeditious and for this reason safari hunting is not an effective tool for dealing with problem crocodiles.

Darwin Harbour and the Katherine River have detailed management strategies with defined zones and specific management actions to remove crocodiles. The current Darwin Harbour Crocodile Management Area extends from Charles Point to the west to Tree Point to the east including Darwin Harbour, Shoal Bay and their estuaries. The existing level of control based largely on permanent traps and spotlight surveillance will be maintained. Additionally, due to increasing residential living in the Darwin rural area, an expanded Darwin Crocodile Management Zone will be established and will include identified high risk areas in the entire Darwin Harbour catchment and eastwards to the Adelaide River (Figure 4). This newly defined zone will encompass the Darwin rural area. Additional increased public safety measures to be implemented in the Darwin rural area will include: an increased intensity of trapping; increased surveillance of receding water bodies as the dry season approaches to ensure no crocodiles are left behind; increase the monitoring on the Adelaide river to annual surveys; developing a monitoring program for the Darwin rural freshwater areas; and improved community awareness of living with crocodiles (see 4.5).

Crocodiles can move into the Darwin rural area from several sources but the predominant source is likely to be the Adelaide River and associated floodplains. The extent of culling that would be required in the Adelaide River to reduce the risk level in the Darwin rural area would be an extensive number of animals. Even with this order of culling, the risk remains as animals will move with floodwaters and can also move into the area from other sources. Such a broad scale culling option is not ethical, practical or cost effective.

Table 4: Summary of current key Saltwater Crocodile management actions across the Top End

Management Actions by Northern Territory Government

Park / TownSitePermanent trapsTraps when water flow allowsAdditional Traps as requiredRegular spot lightingSpot lighting before opening for swimmingVisual inspectionsWater level and clarity criteria for openingOther management tools (eg. floats)

Litchfield NPWangi FallsYN/AYNYdailyYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if requiredindicator float installed

Berri Springssalt water / fresh waterYN/AYYYdailyYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Litchfield NPSandy Creek FallsNNYNYNYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Litchfield NPSurprise Creek FallsNNYNYNYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Litchfield NPFlorence FallsNNYNYNYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Manton Damwestern boundary and spillwayYN/AYYnot closedweeklyN/Arespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Darwin Harbour / Shoal Bay19 permanent traps between Woods Inlet and Hope InletYN/AYYNweekly trap run more regularly if crocs reported in trapsN/Arespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Nhulunbuy Ski beach, Yacht club and Town BillabongYN/AYNN/Aweekly trap run more regularly if crocs reported in trapsN/Arespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Lake BennettLake BennettPrivate lake / own trapsN/AYYYUp to Lake Bennett managementN/AIndicator floats & barrier fencing

Douglas Hot SpringsDouglas Hot SpringsNNYNYNYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Butterfly GorgeMain Pool and CreekNNYNYNYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Douglas Daly Tourist ParkDouglas RiverNYYNBy DDTP ManagementNYrespond to public sightings - additional traps if required

Darwin River DamDamIn processN/AYYN/ANN/Arespond to sightings by PAWA staff

NitmilukGorgeYYYYYdailyYRespond to public sightings. Aerial Survey / Floats

LeilynYYYYdailyRespond to public sightings

Flora NPEntire ParkYYNAweeklyN/ASwimming Not Allowed / Aerial survey / Floats

Elsey NP12 mileYYYYweeklyYAerial survey / Floats

Waterhouse landingYYYweeklyYAerial Survey

Four MileYYYweeklyYAerial Survey

BorroloolaRocky Creek Boat RampYYYN/AweeklyN/ASwimming not recommended/allowed. Saltwater crocodiles present.

Town RampYYYNAweeklyN/ASwimming not recommended/allowed. Saltwater crocodiles present

Katherine RiverLow level to GorgeYYYFloats

Management Actions by Australian Government in Kakadu National Park

SitePermanent trapsTraps when water flow allowsTraps as requiredOther capture and removal methodsExtra traps as required for target areasRegular spot lightingSpot lighting before opening for swimmingRegular / weekly inspectionsDetection devicesCroc detection barriersOther management tools (e.g. floats)Acting on and investigating visitor and resident reported sightings

Jim Jim FallsYNYNYYFloats maintained at various locationsInstalled as required once water levels dropFree baits (usually pig legs) installed as required at sandy bank areas for croc track detectionY

Twin FallsYNYNYYFloats maintained at various locationsCroc track detection barriers installed as required across creekFree baits installed as required at sandy bank areas for croc track detectionY

MagukYNYNYYFloats maintained at various locationsCroc track detection barriers installed as required across creekFree baits installed as required at sandy bank areas for croc track detectionY

GunlomYNYNYYFloats maintained at various locationsCroc track detection barriers installed as required across creekFree baits installed as required at sandy bank areas for croc track detectionY

KoolpinYNYNYYFloats maintained at various locationsCroc track detection barriers installed as required across creekFree baits installed as required at sandy bank areas for croc track detectionY

Moline RockholeNNYNNYYY

Jabiru LakeNNYHarpoonYIntermittent spotlightingY

Figure 4: Expanded Darwin Crocodile Management Zone The new expanded area is defined as the west bank of the Adelaide River to the western catchment boundary of the Darwin Harbour catchment. Existing management actions as listed in Table 4 will be maintained and additional high risk areas will be identified and be subjected to intensive management actions designed to keep crocodiles to a very low density in those high risk areas.

The capture and handling of problem crocodiles must comply with the Animal Welfare Act and the Code of Practice.

Performance IndicatorsIssue permits to remove problem crocodiles as necessary and appropriate.Maintain the program to remove all crocodiles in designated Intensively Managed zones.NRETAS responds to reports of problem crocodiles and implements appropriate management measures.Re-define the Darwin Harbour Intensively Managed zone to include high risk areas of the entire catchment and include the waterways of the Darwin rural area (as per Figure 4).

4.6 Community awareness and participationThe public profile of crocodiles and crocodile management in the Northern Territory is high, particularly for the Saltwater Crocodile. Maintaining effective communication links between government agencies, industry stakeholders, regional land management and conservation groups, and the wider community is an important component for the success of this program. Effective communication structures are also essential for adaptive management and incorporating feedback from industry and community groups into future management policies and practices for crocodiles in the Northern Territory. The community must be well informed about safe behaviours in living with crocodiles. Market research will be conducted to assess the best methods to target all sectors of the community. A communication plan about living with crocodiles that takes into account any recommendations from the market research will be developed and implemented.

The Northern Territory Government promotes crocodile awareness among residents and visitors to the Territory by disseminating educational information. Public awareness campaigns will continue to be conducted at regular planned intervals coinciding with the onset of the tourism season and the build-up/wet season to help minimise harmful interactions between people and crocodiles. A high profile campaign, similar to the cyclone preparedness community campaign will use the web and the media to ensure messages about safe behaviour are effectively conveyed to both locals and visitors. Local events such as the show circuit, tour guides, park visitor centres, and park ranger talks are avenues to further disseminate messages in a face to face setting. Signs at popular water entry points and info TV are other valuable means of informing people about reducing risks with crocodiles. Media and tourism marketers also need to be well informed so they convey a consistent key message about living with crocodiles. The Northern Territory Government will also promote relevant legislation, policy and guidelines to the commercial crocodile industry and wider community via promotion of this management program, relevant fact sheets, and through the Northern Territory Government permit system.

Performance IndicatorsContinue to conduct public awareness, safety and educational message campaigns through Northern Territory Government staff, effective use of the media and on the Northern Territory Government website.Conduct market research to asse