BKSDA Monitors Crocodiles That Appear At Balikpapan Refinery

PHOTO OF ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH/Ramon Bupriard

BALIKPAPAN - The Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) continues to monitor the presence of an estuarine crocodile (Crocodilus porosus) which has been seen roaming the waters of the Pertamina Balikpapan Refinery, East Kalimantan, since Friday June 30.

"What kind of action will be needed later based on the results of these monitoring", said Head of the Conservation Section Region III BKSDA Balikpapan, Bambang Hari Trimarsito, quoted by ANTARA, Monday, July 3.

For the time being, his party has advised Pertamina to make warning signs around where the crocodile appears. If employees will be active near the water, they should be vigilant. "We continue to coordinate with Pertamina, especially to monitor the area where the crocodile appears", he said.

The crocodile's appearance itself, he said, is strongly suspected of being looking for food. Crocodiles called Bambang do not choose prey.

According to him, crocodiles can eat enough fish, shrimp, and crabs, while in mangrove forests they also hunt for defenders. In the area ofSamboja, Kutai Kartanegara, crocodiles are targeting pets such as dogs and want to go ashore to catch the prey.

In fact, like many incidents in East Kutai, crocodiles also prey on humans. Every year there are reports of people missing while on the riverbank, and after a few days, found in the crocodile's stomach

In addition, he said, there is also the possibility of finding a new habitat because around the Pertamina Balikpapan Refinery, especially in mangrove areas, is the habitat of crocodiles along with other wildlife. According to him, it could be a crocodile out of its natural habitat because of competition in finding food, either with fellow crocodiles or with fishermen.

"It could also be due to damage in its habitat. The Graha Indah mangrove area, for example, the mouth of the Somber River, faces great pressure from changes in regional function. Likewise with the mangrove area on the southern side of Balikpapan Bay or in the Penajam Paser Utara section", he said.

Meanwhile, from the appearance, the crocodile's length is estimated to be about 2.5 meters. From that size, it is calculated that it is approximately 20 years old.

"If our gender cannot be determined just by looking at the appearance", he said.

This, said Bambang Hari Trimarsito, because crocodiles, either male or female, have no differences in appearance. The shape and appearance of male or female crocodiles is more or less the same. Meanwhile, Forest Ecosystem Rider (PEH), Rear Expert SKW Balikpapan, M Fahruroji explained that to find out for sure you have to touch theloaka part or the hole under the crocodile's stomach. If the crocodile is male, he said, then something will be felt in his grave or there will be a tangur. If it is a female, there will be no omission.

"Of course only those who have experience in dealing with these animals can do such checks", said M Fahruroji.