Crocodile capture and management

Introduction

This section has information about the capture and removal of crocodiles from Top End population centres and parks.

The aim of crocodile management is to reduce the risk of attacks.

Responsibility for crocodile management

The Northern Territory (NT) Government is responsible for saltwater crocodile management on its land, such as Nitmiluk National Park.

The Federal Government is responsible for saltwater crocodile management on its land, such as Kakadu National Park.

The information in this section is about crocodile management by the NT Government.

Read the Northern Territory saltwater crocodile risk management framework 2021 - 2026 PDF (4.9 MB).


Areas managed

This page lists the areas where crocodiles in the Northern Territory (NT) are managed. These areas are broken in to management zones.

Where crocodiles are managed

NT Parks and Wildlife has crocodile survey and trapping programs in the following areas:

  • Darwin Harbour
  • Darwin rural areas
  • Katherine town region
  • Borroloola township
  • NT parks and reserves.

Outside of these areas, only crocodiles that pose a risk to public safety are trapped and removed. You can report a problem crocodile.

Read about management zones in the Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile Risk Management Framework 2021 - 2026 PDF (4.9 MB).

Crocodile management plans

For information about saltwater crocodile management policies in the Northern Territory, go to conservation of crocodiles.


Problem crocodiles on your property

You can contact NT Parks and Wildlife for help removing a problem crocodile.

Read more about how to report a problem crocodile.

Permits for crocodile management

Saltwater and freshwater crocodiles are protected by law in the Northern Territory.

You must apply for a permit to interfere with or kill a crocodile.

Permits to trap or shoot problem crocodiles, where there is no alternative, may be granted to ranger groups, shires or land managers.

To find out how to get a permit for crocodile management on your property read about the conservation of crocodiles.


How crocodiles are caught

This page has information about how crocodiles are captured and managed in the Top End.

Capture and relocation of crocodiles

NT Parks and Wildlife uses crocodile traps, harpooning techniques and surveys to find and remove problem crocodiles.

Trained wildlife rangers capture more than 250 problem crocodiles each year. These crocodiles are transferred to crocodile farms or destroyed.

Trapped crocodiles can't be relocated due to costs and because they can travel large distances to return to their home range.

Find out more about how Parks and Wildlife manage crocodile captures in the Northern Territory Saltwater Crocodile Risk Management Framework 2021 - 2026 PDF (4.9 MB).

Crocodile traps

More than 80 crocodile traps are used in strategic locations across the Top End.

You can be charged with a criminal offence if you stand on, interfere with or damage a crocodile trap.

The maximum penalty is 50 penalty units or imprisonment for six months.

To find out about penalty units go to the Department of Attorney General and Justice website.


Map of crocodile captures

This page has information about where and how many crocodiles are captured across the Top End.

Be Crocwise

Croc danger is real. Do not become complacent or risk your life.

To report a problem crocodile or if you see a crocodile caught in a trap, call a Parks and Wildlife Commission ranger in Darwin on 0419 822 859 or in Katherine on 0407 958 405.

Did you know?

saltwater crocodiles were captured in the Top End this year.

Map of saltwater crocodile captures

Saltwater crocodiles caught by zone