Crocodile Estuary from Blanakan

When the time along the coast path and through Blanakan, try to stop by the Crocodile Breeding Wana Wisata located in the Village Blanakan, Blanakan district, Subang regency. Just to enjoy the views of shrimp ponds, the atmosphere of North Beach, Seafood and crocodiles eat of course.

Wana Wisata established since 1988, was originally intended to prevent the extinction Buaya Muara (Crocodylus porosus) and also to meet the export quota to overseas Indonesian reptile. In its development, a crocodile breeding area of 15 hectares (2.7 acres for breeding) is finally used as a research and tourist attraction. Ecotourism consists of 23 pools containing the crocodiles by age at which puppies, adolescents and adults. At first, the number of alligators at the time was set numbered 72 animals, which have now number around 207 birds.

Crocodiles (order Crocodilia) consists of three families namely, Crocodilidae, Alligatoridae and Gavialidae. Or that we are familiar with the term used to crocodiles, alligators and gavial. Crocodile estuary belongs to the family Crocodilidae. The three families can be distinguished by its muzzle. Most alligator snout short and rounded. Crocodile snout somewhat flattened and the fourth tooth from the front seen towering over when her mouth was clamped. While in gavial, very long snout to resemble a beak with teeth so sharp that each cupped one another when the mouth is closed.

Crocodile Estuary is a powerful predator. With dagger-sharp teeth and powerful jaws that is his weapon to capture prey. Crocodile Teeth also never toothless. Continue to grow new teeth to replace the old teeth. Long Crocodile Estuary can reach 10 meters, but generally is about 4 to 6 meters.

Crocodile Estuary is a great swimmer. Their large tail and strong swerved to the left and right nseperti paddle. This movement makes vera can glide swiftly to hunt prey. They love to soak in the water, leaving only the nostrils and eyes on the surface. This habit is the mimicry is a piece of wood floats.

Distribution of this crocodile found in estuaries in Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. Because of the high forest conversion around the estuary and decreased quality of habitat and uncontrolled harvesting of the population, now this species need special protection. (CITES, 2003).

Utilization of the skin become a major commodity in the trade of crocodile. In the period between the years 1983-1999 crocodile trade reached 100,000 pieces per year. Based on the results of research on the management of captive breeding has been done by Sri Chess in 1999, the average productivity Blanakan captive breeding was 27 animals per year. Besides that, the exploitation Blanakan captive breeding inefficiency resulted. Although the number of cages adequate, its use is not optimal. And community participation was less as a result of lack of awareness of crocodile conservation.

According to him also, because of inefficient management are not exploited the opportunities that exist (eg leather high demand) so that a threat (F2 regulation, competition with other, more efficient breeding, the behavior of visitors who are less well). The model of efficient management and sustainable breeding outlined in the concept that relies on the development of: (1) Technology proliferation, (2) guidance system guide the implementation of captive breeding, (3) management systems, human resources and marketing.

Management model is disclosed by the Sri is true. Changes in captivity become wanawisata concept is based because the target is not reached 5,000 crocodiles. For some reason this target was not achieved probably due to inadequate technology proliferation that of 40 eggs that can produced by a crocodile only 10-20 points are successfully hatched. This condition is exacerbated when the region was opened to ecotourism, so many people who visit and disturb the breeding process. Though basically happy crocodile hide. And when laying eggs, the crocodile will dig the ground and hide their eggs in the soil.

At least we need a good management in order to obtain optimal results. What is going to be a tourist, it is necessary that adequate support facilities for tourism. Or become captive breeding as a conservation effort to Crocodile Estuary, then you should not be used as tourist attractions. Because both of these aspects can not be incorporated then it should be determined from Wana Wisata Whither Captive Crocodile Blanakan this.