Croc caught

A CROCODILE measuring 3.2m was captured and killed last Thursday by the crocodile hunting team from the Rabaul district office and specialist hunters after the hunt was launched last week.
The team killed the reptile in a trap at 9.30pm on Thursday after setting up a trap in the Matupit waters.
“The crocodile is suspected to be a migrated species either from Namatanai, Vudal or Open Bay,” acting DPI Livestock officer Luke Waipo said.
He added that the team was unsuccessful in the first two nights.
However, they caught the reptile after setting up a trap using fish bait, strong ropes, a hook and a floater.
Matupit islanders thanked the Rabaul district administration for their immediate response in organising the hunting team.
They said they were living in fear following the crocodile’s attack on two villagers in the last two months.
According to Waipo, the crocodile skin measured 5.1m belly width which was the maximum marketable size under the Crocodile Management Protection Act.
The crocodile was taken to the Rabaul market where it was exhibited before it was taken to the provincial fisheries office where fisheries officers were shown how to skin a crocodile based on export quality standards.
The hunt continues this week to capture and kill a smaller crocodile that was sighted in the Matupit area last week.