Killer Crocodiles on Rise in Northern Australia

SYDNEY, Australia —  Australia’s killer crocodiles, declared a protected species nearly 20 years ago when they faced extinction, are reappearing in strength in the tropical rivers and swamplands of the Northern Territory.

Crocodiles have killed at least eight people in the last 15 months, although officials say the number could be higher. But the tourism industry believes they could be an attraction for travelers with a taste for adventure.

American model Ginger Fay Meadows, 24, was the latest victim of the giant reptiles, which grow up to 25 feet long. She was fatally attacked while swimming in a river in the remote northwest.

The attack occurred less than two weeks after an American tour group saw a crocodile seize and kill a local fisherman at a National Park in the Northern Territory.

River Bank Lairs

Australia accepts the fearsome creatures as part of its environment and wildlife officials say Meadows’ death will not precipitate indiscriminate hunting of the crocodiles.

The most dangerous among the Australian crocodiles are the saltwater variety. Known as “salties,” they kill and store their victims in river bank lairs for several days before eating them.

Australia’s indigenous aborigines, some of whom regard the reptile as a religious symbol and seldom bother to report crocodile attacks, say crocodiles have been known to swallow a man almost whole.

Along with the smaller, more timid freshwater crocodile, which is not considered dangerous to humans, salties once faced extinction because of demand for their skins. But in 1969, killing salties was outlawed.

Population Has Soared

They have since soared in number and wildlife officials estimate their population at between 60,000 and 70,000.

Protection has made the crocodiles bolder, according to wildlife officials. Many males have now reached the adult stage at which they are establishing territory and are considered extremely dangerous.

Officials said the habits of saltwater crocodiles are not yet fully understood, and it is difficult to make an area safe because it was still not known how far salties roam.

They said most of the crocodile-infested areas had no warning signs because they were so extensive and were inaccessible to the general public except by boat.

The vast majority of crocodiles, about 50,000, inhabit the tidal rivers and swamplands across the Northern Territory, an area already popular with tourists and other travelers looking for adventure.

‘Extermination Not an Option’

“A bit of danger and excitement is one of the things people look for when they’re sitting in the office thinking about an adventure holiday,” said Janet Hodder, director of the Western Australian Tourism Industry Assn.

“We want them to come but we want them to go home again as well,” she said.