Ghost nets and fishing gear left behind by anglers and boaters haunt the shores to deadly ends, killing creatures from horseshoe crabs to herons that wander into these traps or tackle food from a hook. The latest victim is a crocodile (probably the salt-water species, Crocodylus porosus) found near the Kranji Nature Trail. On our way out from Sungei Buloh, we spied what appeared to be two men emerging from the trail with a largish reptilian body. At first, my duck thought it was a fat python, which was a rather pleasing idea, as it seemed a chance to poke both a snake as well as its would-be poachers.
Unfortunately, it turned out to be a 1.9m long crocodile with the remains of a fishing net around its jaws. The two guys who found it said they were angling nearby and saw a large pale form in waters about 4 feet deep, which turned out to be the belly of the reptile. They cut the animal free from the net and tied an extra bit of plastic twine around its mouth in case it revived. But the beast is already in a better place, though its body is still fresh and unmaimed. Happily, it's probably not Bob the silent croc who dwells in the reserve but likely another resident of the straits or an escapee from the nearby farm. The carcass is rather heavier than it looks; my duck tried to kick it over to see the belly but found not the strength. Unclaimed and unfit for civil society, the dead crocodile drew a little crowd of gawkers who posed and preened and perhaps even wondered how this island could be made safe from a network of dangers that lurk beneath and unseen.
Wow!
Posted by: SY | 12 October 2008 at 12:02 AM
Damn...
Posted by: Hai~Ren | 12 October 2008 at 03:30 AM
so did u guys send it to RMBR?
Posted by: monkey | 12 October 2008 at 12:32 PM
How sad. We are far more dangerous to crocodiles than visa versa.
Instead of celebrating our wildlife, we kill them with our trash. Sigh.
Posted by: ria | 12 October 2008 at 05:06 PM
Whether wild and beastly or tamed and beautiful, no creature should die prematurely because of human activity.
It is indeed a sad day for all nature lovers. These creatures have the right to share this earth as much as we do.
Posted by: Muhd Imran | 13 October 2008 at 06:52 PM