25-9-2024 (BANGKOK) A crocodile farmer in Lamphun, Thailand, has taken the drastic step of culling his entire stock of 125 reptiles. The decision, made in the face of impending heavy rainfall and potential flooding, was aimed at preventing a possible escape that could have posed a significant threat to the local community.
Mr Natthapak Khumkad, who has been breeding crocodiles for nearly two decades, shared the devastating news via social media on Sunday. The farmer explained that the difficult choice was made to prioritise the safety of villagers in the area, despite the substantial personal and financial loss it entailed.
According to the Thai News Agency, the culled crocodiles included 90 breeding animals and 35 large-sized reptiles. The decision to euthanise the entire stock came after Mr Natthapak observed damage to parts of the pool wall where the crocodiles were housed, caused by recent heavy rains.
Meteorological forecasts predicting continued intense rainfall for the region compounded Mr Natthapak’s concerns. The farmer feared that further precipitation could lead to flooding severe enough to breach the enclosure walls, potentially releasing the dangerous reptiles into the surrounding area.
While expressing his heartbreak over the loss of animals he had nurtured for 17 years, Mr Natthapak stood firm in his belief that the cull was the most responsible course of action to safeguard human lives. The decision is expected to cost him approximately 1.4 million baht in lost revenue.
In an effort to mitigate some of the financial impact, Mr Natthapak plans to freeze the culled crocodiles, with the intention of selling their skins and meat at a later date. This move highlights the economic complexities faced by wildlife farmers in regions increasingly affected by extreme weather events.
