SINGAPORE \u2013 Visitors to Pulau Ubin have been urged to exercise caution, after large crocodiles were recently spotted in the area.<\/p>\n
The National Parks Board (NParks) has put up warning signs on the island advising members of the public to be cautious when they are near the water\u2019s edge.<\/p>\n
In a statement on April 1, NParks\u2019 group director for wildlife management How Choon Beng said the board is aware of crocodile sightings in the vicinity of Pulau Ubin.<\/p>\n
The sightings are likely to be of an estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), which is known to be active in the Strait of Johor, Mr How added.<\/p>\n
According to the NParks website, the estuarine crocodile is the largest crocodile species in the world.<\/p>\n
Also known as the saltwater crocodile, it can reach lengths of up to 7m and is characterised by a long snout and a broad, muscular tail with ridges.<\/p>\n
They feed mostly on fish, but their diet can also include mammals, birds and carrion. They can also move quickly over short distances, both in land and in water.<\/p>\n
Chinese-language daily Lianhe Zaobao on March 31 reported Pulau Ubin residents saying they had spotted the reptiles in the mangroves and swampy areas.<\/p>\n
While there have been crocodile sightings on the island from time to time, these have become more frequent in the past month, they added.<\/p>\n
One resident, identified as a 73-year-old fisherman, told the news outlet that he has seen them twice in the last month.<\/p>\n
He said the first sighting happened while he was fishing for crabs near the mangroves, and that the crocodile was about 5m away from him.<\/p>\n
He added that at least three or four people have also seen crocodiles at different locations, causing panic among residents.<\/p>\n
Mr How said NParks is monitoring the situation, and has shared advisories with stakeholders on measures to take when planning any water activities.<\/p>\n
He advised the public to stay calm and back away if they encounter a crocodile.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey should not approach, provoke or feed the animal,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Anyone who wishes to report any encounters may contact NParks on 1800-476-1600.<\/p>\n
Source: The Straits Times \u00a9 SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction<\/a><\/p>\n