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Since 1986 the Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory has operated a programme to remove 'problem' saltwater crocodiles from waters in and adjoining the township of Nhulunbuy. Over a period of five years, 52 different saltwater crocodiles (44 male) were captured. Most (48) were released at remote sites designated by the traditional Aboriginal owners of the surrounding lands. Release distances from the township varied from 17 to 282 km (by coastline). Many crocodiles (47.9%), including those released at the most distant sites, returned to, and were subsequently recaptured at, the township. Total capture rates (initial captures and recaptures pooled) varied seasonally, with fewer crocodiles being caught in the cooler dry season. During the wet season capture rates remained high, but relatively fewer 'new' crocodiles were caught. Probability of recapture could not be related to distance and direction of release from the township, nor size and sex of the released crocodile. Frequency of capture of individual crocodiles (1-8 times) was also unrelated to these variables. The high rates of return indicate that relocation is unlikely to be an effective strategy for managing humancrocodile interactions, at least in areas where potential release sites already support saltwater crocodile populations near carrying capacity.

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No abstract

Results of mail-card surveys of registered shotgun owners in the Northern Territory during 1984 and 1985 are reported. Responses were used to generate estimates of seasonal and daily bags of waterfowl, the level of hunter activity, and a crude estimate of hunter numbers. In 1984 the mean seasonal bag was 73.2 birds taken over 10.3 hunter-days, which fell to 21.4 birds taken in 6.3 hunter-days during the 1985 season. The magpie goose was taken most frequently, constituting 84% of 1984 and 79% of 1985 bags. Hunting activity was concentrated in the Darwin area at small, readily accessible sites. Estimates of total seasonal harvests are derived to provide an indication of the scale of hunting mortality. All estimates are based on relatively low returns and improved targeting of surveys is desirable to increase sample size and reliability.