Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is the first university in the country to conduct a study on the semen of "buaya tembaga" (a saltwater crocodile).

Head of Research, Professor Abd Wahid Haron said the outcome of the study could help develop reproductive technology such as artificial insemination to save the female from the aggressive male.

He said the study was first conducted in April last year, involving four male saltwater crocodiles at the Sarang Buaya Crocodile Sanctuary in Pasir Gudang.

"The semen obtained from male crocodiles are preserved for a long period for artificial insemination in test tubes," he told reporters today.

Earlier, he attended a function to mark the study and signing of an agreement betwen the Pasir Gudang Municipal Council (MPPG) and UPM's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Also present was MPPG president Md Za'nal Misran.

Wahid said they only need RM2,000 for the study in addition to getting help from the crocodile santuary, MPPG and the Johor Wildlife Department.

"We are proud of the study as it can help MPPG to boost the eco-tourism sector, pharmaceutical and research based education.

"After all, not many non-governmental organisations (NGOs), government departments and agencies are keen to conduct a study on crocodiles due their violent nature," said the lecturer of the Department of Clinical Veterinary Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, UPM.

- Bernama