News of the move by the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) to allow commercial trade in crocodiles has certainly moved SAM into expressing our strong objections against the downgrading of the crocodiles from Appendix I to II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

From the many reports circulated, SAM has the impression that the local inhabitants perceive crocodiles as vermin to be feared and best wiped out.

This is inevitable due to the loss of precious human lives.

However the potential for conflict will certainly remain, considering that in recent years crocodiles have been extending out of packed tidal rivers that represent their preferred habitat into upstream freshwater areas and around the coast in their quest for new places to live.

The government's approach by culling may sound sensible on paper but in reality, culling is not a viable solution. Culling cannot ensure the safety of the people from further attacks by crocodiles.

Then again, the question arises as to the basis for determining the number to be culled.

In truth, the answer is not in culling but in treating the root causes of the problem of human-wildlife conflict.

Firstly, the Ministry and all concerned authorities have to address the problem of whether there is depleting food source of the crocodiles and then focus on the necessary remedial processes action to increase food supply.

Secondly, habitat encroachment is the primary reason leading to wildlife ending up as losers.

Thus, the main threats to crocodiles are habitat destruction and locals competing with crocodiles for the same food source. The focus should then be in the provision of adequate protected habitats.

Thirdly the authorities should concentrate on creating public awareness through public education.

Swimming in crocodile-infested waters should be strictly prohibited. This would be far more effective in preventing crocodile attacks.

The one very important aspect that must be highlighted and prevailed upon throughout the entire planning and execution, is the total participation and involvement of the communities.

It is up to the wildlife division of the SFC to submit a project proposal detailing active research into the extend of conflicts between man and crocodiles, viable solutions and their implementation.

These solutions must safeguard the safety of poor rural communities where women and children are at greatest risks, connected to activities such as fetching water, washing cloths and fishing with nets.

A large number of incidents with crocodiles may be avoided with knowledge about the species and the behavioural patterns of crocodiles.

The efficacy of solving the problem by the opening of trade, through the downgrading of crocodylus porosus , needs to be critically assessed. Parties who are interested in the hides of reptiles will naturally try to play up the issue of human-crocodile conflict to rationalize opening the trade.

Once trade is opened, the traffic will mostly involve ranched and poached crocodiles, not the relatively few wild crocodiles which are dangerous to people.

Thus, the human-crocodile conflict persists largely unabated and may even escalate as interaction between them increases.

Crocodilians come in a variety of species and sizes, which are easy to tell apart in the wild. However, it is not easy to tell them apart from pelts which have been made into products.

Thus, the legal commerce in crocodiles provides a convenient cover for poaching, and poaching tends to deplete any species accessible to poachers, regardless of rarity.

This could give rise to illegal trade, with the locals wiping out the crocodiles for short-term gain.

Improved wildlife legislation is only relevant if abided by all. There is a need among law enforcement authorities to be conversant with, and have the will, to enforce the rule of law fully.

Corruption amongst enforcement authorities must be dealt with severely and without hesitation.

Taking the above points into consideration, SAM reiterates our stand against the downgrading of the crocodiles.

Our request is based on a firm conviction that the opening of trade corridors will result in increased illegal trade.

The end results will be detrimental to the country's image and erode conservation efforts in preserving wildlife species.

SM Mohd Idris is President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM).