Tanah Laut, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - The appearance of an estuarine crocodile in Swarangan in recent days signaled rising waters, but it made residents in Muara Swarangan, Jorong Sub-district, Tanah Laut District, South Kalimantan, worried.
Some residents told water police (Satpolairud) officers that the crocodile had appeared since a week ago. Although did not disturb, people are afraid it can endanger the safety of residents who use the river a lot for their daily activities, especially children who often bathe in the river.
The crocodile initially appeared in a fishing boatyard, then regularly appeared day or night in the upstream part of the river which is quite far from residential areas.
The head of Pelaihari Wildlife Sanctuary Resort Akhmad Fauzan, S.Hut said that the Muara Swarangan to the upstream of Jorong River is a habitat of estuarine crocodiles, especially around the Nipah plants (Nypa fruticans).
Head of the Conservation Section Region I Pelaihari I Mirta Sari, S.Hut, MT. explained that the estuarine crocodile is a protected animal. It occasional appearance is a natural thing. Sometimes they explore their territory, sometimes their appearance is also a sign of awareness of high river water.
"(The latest) appearance of the crocodile almost coincided with the rising of Jorong River water level due to the recent high rainfall," Mirta added.
Head of South Kalimantan Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) Dr. Ir. Mahrus Aryadi, M.Sc, appreciated the role of all parties in response to the appearance of the estuarine crocodile in the river in Swarangan. He asked no on to act rashly.
"Stay cautious and alert in activities in river basin areas. Good education to residents is very helpful for the preservation of protected animals, including estuarine crocodiles," said Mahrus.
This press release was sent by environmental activist Yamadipati to Antaranews Kalsel.
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