Kota Kinabalu: A new integrated project hopes to create long-term solutions that balance conservation and public safety across the state.
The Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) and the Sabah Wildlife Department are running a two-year crocodile conflict management project from February 2026 to February 2028, aiming to improve public safety while supporting long-term crocodile conservation.
It focuses on reducing risk in practical ways instead of killing crocodiles, based on research showing that removing or killing crocodiles does not reduce long-term danger.
One key part of the project is building physical safety structures in high-risk areas.
The first Crocodile Exclusion Enclosure (CEE) will be installed at Batu Putih along the Kinabatangan river, which has the highest concentration of crocodiles in the state.
The enclosure will create a safer space for people to carry out daily river activities while reducing the risk of close encounters.
“Batu Putih was chosen because many residents depend on the river and the area is close to crocodile habitat. Lessons from this pilot site may be used to introduce similar measures in other parts of Sabah,” said Goossens.
The project will also conduct new crocodile population surveys across the state. These surveys build on earlier studies carried out between 2017 and 2019.
Researchers will assess whether crocodile numbers and distribution have changed and will expand monitoring to three additional rivers along the West Coast following recent sightings there.
The project will also run community programmes to promote safer behaviour around rivers, and new warning signs will be installed in areas identified as high risk. The signs aim to clearly communicate danger to both residents and visitors.
“Our goal is to improve safety for people who depend on rivers, while recognising the ecological importance of crocodiles in Sabah,” he said.
