Kill crocs, boost tourism

2005-09-12 11:36

Sydney - Killing a deadly salt-water crocodile may not be everyone's idea of a relaxing holiday experience, but Australian officials are considering introducing safari hunts as a means of boosting tourism.

Environment Minister Ian Campbell, who recently helped pin down one of the beasts while on a trip with famed crocodile hunter Steve Irwin, has been asked to consider the proposal by officials in the Northern Territory.

"The proposal has been put forward to the government," a spokesperson for the minister said on Monday, adding that the minister had visited Irwin to see the reptiles in their natural habitat before making his decision.

Irwin opposes the introduction of the safaris, she added.

Campbell is expected to make a decision within weeks on whether the leathery predators can be killed by trophy hunters and their skins taken overseas.

Under the proposal, only approved tour operators would be allowed to run the hunts, a trained guide would be present at all times and only 25 animals could be killed each year.

It is hoped that the safaris, if allowed, would generate increased tourism in the Northern Territory, home to the heritage-listed Kakadu National Park and Uluru.

- SAPA