Ferocious maneater to undergo image makeover

2009/07/13

The fearsome Sarawakian crocodile is set to undergo an image makeover to endear it to the general public.

The aim is to erase negative perception of the man-eating reptile which is synonymous with violence and horror.

Apart from correcting this misconception, it is also for conservation iniatives, said Sarawak Forestry Corporation Sdn Bhd (Sarawak Forestry) managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Len Talif Salleh.

Without disclosing when the study would begin, Len said Sarawak Corporation planned to carry out similar studies with other protected species.

"We will also conduct a study on the proboscis monkey and sun bear," he told reporters after the closing of the Sarawak Dolphin project by state second minister for planning and resources management Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan here today.

The Sarawak Dolphin project which began in May, last year, was a joint collaboration by Sarawak Forestry, Shell Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas).

The project covered dolphin population in the nearshore waters along Kuching, Bintulu and Miri.

Unimas Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid said Unimas was willing to provide academic expertise for those interested in pursuing the study of dolpins in the state. -- Bernama