Suchergebnisse

Crocodiles in northern Australia have existed for centuries in relative domination. However, as this impressive beast was finally seen no longer as a nuisance but a potential goldmine to the westerners inhabiting northern Australia they proved no match for guns and traps. During the massive hunting periods of 1945 until their eventual protection by the Australian government in 1971 crocodiles were subject to unregulated hunts on such a large scale there seemed no chance for survival. After more than thirty years of protection by the commonwealth government the crocodile populations have recovered and almost matched their numbers previous to the unregulated hunting period of 1945-1971. As they once again become a strong presence in the Northern Territory the number of crocodile and human encounters have steadily increased forcing the Northern Territory government to take action. It is no longer safe to swim on the beautiful beaches in and around Darwin and some areas have become so densely populated with crocodiles they have been shutdown completely. The Cane Toad epidemic in northern and eastern Australia has also threatened the only natural predator of crocodiles, the goanna. Without goannas stealing eggs from crocodile nests the number of eggs to hatch increase and the possibility of the crocodile population growing exponentially is immense. The Northern Territory government proposed in its Management Plan for Crocodylus Porosus in the Northern Territory a possible crocodile safari industry. This decision was met with mixed opinions by the people of Australia and was eventual1y over ruled by Environment Minister Ian Campbell. Since this decision there has been active debate throughout Australia about the viability of a crocodile safari industry. The central focus of this report is to reveal the most recent arguments on both sides of the issue. The arguments against the creation of the industry mainly have ethical and emotional basis. The humanity of this industry is at the forefront of the debate because of the quick ability of crocodiles to escape when wounded, and suffer a prolonged period of time until death. There is also concern that it is still too soon since crocodiles were on the brink of extinction less than forty years ago. Australia's image to tourists could also potentially be damaged, as well as the commonwealth government's reputation with other governments. The arguments supporting the creation of this industry deal with economical and intellectual issues. The first argument for the creation of this industry concerns the relatively new, and scientifically tested, method of conservation through sustainable use. A submission by the Northern Land Council on their support of a crocodile safari industry, and how this can help create limited economic independence in rural Aboriginal areas. The final argument for the formation of this industry concerns the lack of increased impact it would have, since the number taken is included in the current management plan. Finally three of the most important arguments are implemented into the plan originally released by the Northern Territory government, showing how they could be successful in real world application and also satisfies the major concerns by all parties. As this is a heavily opinionated topic it is not fitting for this report to include recommendations for the future of this matter. The intention of this paper is to update on how the debate has evolved since its initial proposal and where the issue currently stands. Judgments on this matter are left to the consideration of the commonwealth government.