Timor‑Leste crocodile management interns strengthen skills through Darwin study visit
As part of the Timor‑Leste saltwater crocodile management partnership, under the Northern Territory (NT) Timor-Leste Strategic Partnership Agreement 2023-2027, crocodile management interns Vincente Soares and Antonio Gusmao recently did a study visit to Darwin to build practical skills and strengthen cross‑border collaboration in crocodile management.
The partnership is jointly delivered by the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, the Department of Tourism and Hospitality and the Department of Lands, Planning and Environment.
It focuses on supporting Timor‑Leste to manage and reduce the risks posed by saltwater crocodiles in coastal and inland waters.
During their visit, Vincente and Antonio worked alongside the Darwin crocodile management team, participating in harbour trap runs and learning best‑practice techniques for safely removing crocodiles from traps.
The interns also gained valuable experience in community engagement. They attended a Be Crocwise education session at Humpty Doo Primary School, where they observed how public safety messaging is delivered to children and local communities.
A deeper understanding of the science underpinning crocodile management was provided through sessions with the Flora and Fauna division, covering population monitoring, risk assessment and evidence‑based decision‑making.
The visit also explored the economic potential of crocodile‑related wildlife tourism, with behind‑the‑scenes insights at Crocosaurus Cove and the Territory Wildlife Park, highlighting how tourism, conservation and public safety can be successfully integrated.
At Fogg Dam Conservation Reserve, Vincente and Antonio saw firsthand how visitor infrastructure, interpretive information and risk management measures can be combined to support safe, sustainable visitation in areas where crocodiles are present.
The Darwin study visit provided valuable hands‑on experience and knowledge exchange, further strengthening Timor‑Leste’s capacity to manage human–crocodile interactions while balancing conservation, community safety and tourism opportunities.
