Crocodile captured at Taman Tasik Section 7
SHAH ALAM: Less than 24 hours after setting up traps, the crocodile at Taman Tasik Section 7 here was successfully captured tonight.
According to Berita Harian, Wan Mohd Adib Wan Mohd Yusoh, Director of the Selangor Department of Wildlife and National Parks (PERHILITAN), said the crocodile was found in the trap around 10:20 PM last night.
“The crocodile we rescued tonight is a male saltwater crocodile measuring 1.68 meters long, estimated to be between three and five years old, with an approximate weight of 15 to 20 kilograms.
“This is the fastest crocodile rescue operation we’ve conducted, as the crocodile was already caught less than 24 hours after the traps were set, having taken the fresh bait we placed,” he said at a press conference at the capture site.
Wan Mohd Adib mentioned that the Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) decision to close the lake park at night starting tonight also encouraged the reptile to enter the trap due to the quiet and undisturbed environment.
He added that PERHILITAN would request MBSA to continue closing the lake park at night for another day or two to allow monitoring and ensure no other crocodiles are in the area.
“We will relocate the crocodile to Paya Indah Wetlands tonight as well,” he said.
Present at the crocodile rescue operation were Shah Alam Mayor Datuk Mohd Fauzi Mohd Yatim, Shah Alam MP Azli Yusof, and Kota Anggerik State Assemblyman Mohd Najwan Halimi.
Previously, the operation to retrieve the reptile trap began around 11:25 PM, and the removal of the crocodile from the trap was completed by 12:05 AM.
Two crocodile traps were set up at the lake starting at 10 AM today to capture the reptile.
MBSA also issued a directive to close the lake area for any activities from 8 PM to 7 AM until the crocodile was captured.
The crocodile capture operation involved 20 personnel each from PERHILITAN and MBSA.
The media had reported that visitors around the Section 7 Lake were advised not to approach the lake’s banks following the sighting of a crocodile in the area.
The crocodile is believed to have become disoriented during recent heavy rain and flash floods.