DARWIN, May 2 AAP - Trapping and removing large crocodiles from waterways around urban areas may give the public a false sense of security, a researcher says.
A new study shows large crocodiles are far more mobile than previously thought, with some travelling over 1000km in a six-month period.
Even crocodiles that were thought to have lived in a distinct location actually moved large distances, although they tended to move back and forth in the same area.
One of the report's authors, Hamish Campbell from the University of Queensland, says the new study raises doubts about whether "zero-tolerance" zones, where crocodiles are trapped and removed, are effective.
"Creating zero tolerance zones you are just going to get increasing numbers of animals," Dr Campbell said.
"I wonder about how much of it is to appease the public rather than, as a biologist, it actually does anything," he said.
Dr Campbell said crocodiles moved so far so quickly that trapping a large dominant male crocodile and taking it away could just leave a gap for a more troublesome crocodile to move into.
"I think of the quote, it is better the devil you know," Dr Campbell said.
He said removing crocodiles could be effective but evidence from the study showed management plans should take into account the implications of new crocodiles quickly moving into the same area.
"We need to think about the implications of the management and if we are increasing the movements of the subordinates by removing crocodiles," Dr Campbell said.
The study involved monitoring the movements of 12 large crocodiles.
Last year 314 saltwater crocodiles were captured and moved as part of a NT Parks and Wildlife Commission management plan.
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