Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile

The Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile aims to protect and manage saltwater crocodiles in the Northern Territory (NT).

It balances conservation goals, sustainable harvest, industry growth and public safety risks, including their significant:

• contribution to the Top End's ecosystem and outdoor experiences
• economic impact through the farming and tourism industry
• threat to human safety and welfare, especially in areas with high concentrations of humans and crocodiles:
  • such as around coastal and riverine townships in the Top End.

This program is in line with the Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1976.

Read the Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the NT 2024-2034.

Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the NT 2024-2034 PDF (1.8 MB)
Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the NT 2024-2034 DOCX (2.0 MB)

How it was developed

The program builds on previous programs, dating back to the mid-1980s.

In early 2024, the public were consulted on a draft of the management program, with a total of 110 submissions received.

The program was finalised on the basis of the public consultation and stakeholder input.

The term of the management program is 10 years (2024 to 2034), with a review scheduled after 5 years.

Read more about the consultation process and summary of feedback in the following reports.

Draft Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the NT 2024-2034 PDF (1.9 MB)
Draft Management Program for the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in the NT 2024-2034 DOCX (2.0 MB)

Public consultation summary March 2024 PDF (358.0 KB)
Public consultation summary March 2024 DOCX (216.4 KB)

What it aims to do

• Maintain saltwater crocodiles at appropriate densities across its range within the Top End of the NT
• Enhance public safety through the:
  • identification and management of problem saltwater crocodiles and
  • reduction of crocodile densities in selected areas, within a best practice risk management framework
• Enable a robust and profitable crocodile industry through a sustainable harvest, that:
  • facilitates its economic growth
  • ensures landholders receive real benefits from their continuing support for the conservation of the saltwater crocodile and its habitats
• Enhance Aboriginal livelihoods through:
  • active participation in the crocodile industry
  • development of new, culturally appropriate economic opportunities
• Improve community:
  • awareness of the risks posed by saltwater crocodiles and
  • appreciation of their natural and cultural values, through appropriately targeted education programs

How it will be implemented

The program's objectives will be achieved through:

• robust saltwater crocodile monitoring to ensure the harvest of eggs and live animals does not have a negative impact on their population
• appropriate regulation of consumptive and non-consumptive uses via:
  • permit system for harvest of crocodiles, eggs and farms
  • implementation of controls on export of crocodile products and associated requirements of the Wildlife Trade Management Plan- Crocodile Farming in the Northern Territory 2021-25 - read more on the Australian Government's Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water website
  • Ensuring relevant legislative and best-practice requirements for animal welfare and biosecurity are met
• support to Aboriginal organisations to increase participation in crocodile management and associated economic opportunities
• the NT saltwater crocodile risk management framework 2021 – 2026 PDF (4.9 MB), which includes:
  • management of crocodiles according to their location (e.g. urban versus remote areas) - where resources are available, efforts will be increased to expand and intensify the removal program in key areas where the risk of crocodile attack is high
  • a comprehensive public awareness program that is regularly reviewed and refreshed to deliver a clear message around living with crocodiles e.g. Be Crocwise, read more on the Be Crocwise website
• research and development into:
  • improved detection and surveillance programs
  • social research into understanding drivers of community views
  • improved understanding of risks and better methods to safely and economically protect and access nesting areas, especially on Aboriginal land.

Contact

For more information, email wildlife.use@nt.gov.au.