Croc stoppers: The Yuen Long crocodile is collected by Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department officers.

The crocodile seen at Nam Sang Wai near Yuen Long since November has been caught by the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department.

At about 9am, officers found the reptile in one of its traps on the Shan Pui River.

With the help of some local fishermen, officers brought the crocodile under control, and initial checks found it was in good condition.

Australian and Mainland experts have tried unsuccessfully to capture the elusive reptile since its sighting last year.

Weighing about 14kgs, the reptile is 1.5 metres long and about four years old.

It will be kept at the New Territories North Animal Management Centre for several weeks before being sent to Kadoorie Farm for temporary care. It will later be kept permanently at HK Wetland Park upon its completion in late 2005.