Friday January 01, 2010
Local News

Ministry seeks to harvest 1,500 crocodiles

DAILY NEWS Reporter, 1st January 2010 @ 11:16,

PRIVATE hunting firms have been asked by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to submit their bids to harvest 1,500 crocodiles

In a widely circulated advertisement in the local press today, Director for Wildlife - Erasmus Tarimo, said the allocation is in line with Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna.

Mr Tarimo gave several reasons for seeking to reduce the population of crocodiles, amongst which is to avoid destructive behaviour of the reptiles of human life and property, but also generate government and individual revenue.

"Hunting will only be done in areas where destructions have been reported," Tarimo said in the statement.

Companies wishing to bid for a stake in the allocation and did participate in a similar exercise last season, should submit their detailed reports on how many crocodiles were allocated to them, areas where such hunting was done and the number of skins sold abroad.

"New bidders will have to submit their applications plus project proposals with the following details; company registration certificate, an owner or employee holding first conservation degree with minimum of three years in wildlife business," the Director's statement said.

New companies will also be required to have specified hunting equipment including guns, motorised boat, a four wheel drive car, crocodile skins preservation facilities and access to reliable markets for both meat and skins. Successful bidders will be notified within 60 days after the bids opening date, the statement concluded.