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 From Hong Kong's Information Services Department
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November 12, 2003
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Conservation

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Crocodile found in Nam Sang Wai

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Nam Sang Wai crocodile

A crocodile measuring nearly 1.5 metres has been seen near Yuen Long, in Nam Sang Wai - and a crocodile expert will fly in from Australia to catch it.

 

Crocodiles are reptiles and there are more than 20 different kinds, or species, in the world. Hong Kong is not normally home to these creatures, which are found mainlly in the tropics.

 

These animals are "ectothermic", which means cool-blooded. Their body temperature changes according to the temperature around them. Most of the time they are not very active and like to bask under the sun in open areas.

 

The crocodile that is now living in Nam Sang Wai is still free and happy to wander around more than a week after first being spotted.

 

Although many journalists have taken its photo, and officers from the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department have set several traps to catch it, it still creeps up to the muddy shores to bask in the sunshine.

 

If you ever come across a crocodile, you should stay calm and leave the site immediately.  After retreating to a safe place, you should tell the Police or the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department to about it, so they can arrange to capture it.You should never try to catch a crocodile or any other wild animal by yourself.

 

All crocodile species are protected under the "Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna & Flora". The export, import and possession of these species is illegal.