Authorities are ramping up investigations into the decapitation of two crocodiles in weeks in Queensland’s far north, including a decades-old female well-known to tour operators.
The head and spine of a female saltwater crocodile were found on the banks of the Daintree River on May 18, and a decapitated reptile was found at Cow Bay, north of the Daintree River, on April 12.
Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science (DES) confirmed it was investigating any possible links between the two and described both as highly unusual.
Tour boat operator David White reported the most recent death to authorities and said it was distressing.
“There was not much of it left and the head was in very good condition and, unfortunately, it had been filleted like a fish,” Mr White said.
“If a crocodile had been chewing on it, it would have all been broken up but it was intact as one long spine and the head.”
Mr White identified the croc as “Lizzie”, estimated to be about 40 years old and well-known to tour groups.
He said he last saw the reptile alive on May 11 before finding its severed head near one of his moored boats a week later.
“People think I’m crazy getting emotional about a crocodile but they’re an animal like any animal, they’ve got different traits,” he said.
“It’s very, very sad.”
Director of northern wildlife operations Lindsay Delzoppo said the incident was highly concerning.
“That 40-year-old female animal is a vital part of the ecology of that section of the Daintree River and laid eggs over many years to produce offspring to keep the population going,” he said.
“She was a really important part of the ecology there.”
DES is also investigating the death of the crocodile found by members of the public at Cow Bay.
Due to decomposition, it could not determine the cause of death but it appeared “cutting devices” were used.
In a statement, a DES spokesperson said it was feared the latest animal to die was “targeted and deliberately killed”.
The spokesperson said it was also investigating several anonymous calls and messages received by Mr White from a man who claimed to have killed both animals.
Crocodiles are a vulnerable species protected under the Nature Conservation Act.
Anyone found guilty of deliberately harming or killing a crocodile in Queensland faces a maximum fine of $32,243.
The DES has urged anyone with information about either incident or people in possession of crocodile body parts to contact police.
“[If] someone’s all of a sudden got some croc skulls or other bits of croc in their fridge or in their backyard … if people see something like that around, we’d like them to immediately think about giving us a call,” Mr Delzoppo said.
“We don’t like people being vigilantes — if there’s a crocodile that’s causing people concern, report it to us and we’ll investigate it and assess what needs to be done.
