You raise a good point, Nev. Crocs do play an important part of the ecosystem: https://chatgpt.com/share/688464ca-87e8-8008-91e9-a7cb5f702e72
But feral pigs and waterbuffalo are also on their diet and they help keep the numbers down. Feral cattle may also be taken. So, it helps keep at least some of that population in check.
Yeah, crocs are a threat to humans. But there are a lot more humans than crocs, and a lot of humans do frequent where crocs live. Yet, very few are taken. Of course, a croc isn't that fussy an eater and will take people, but people are normally very adept at living in their environment, which contributes to what appears to be an extremely low rate of fatalities. So, if we are going to invest in control of animals, it may be better for Australia's environment and food production to invest in control of the feral species, while maintaining investment in education and safety of the public.
Also, I am not saying a cull isn't on the cards.. Over-population of any species should really be kept in check and if the apex predator is not taking care of its own numbers through territorial fighting, etc, but I would liketo see an evidence based approach rather than anecdotal based approach. I am not suggesting Chat GPT is accurate either.. If there's a case to supportit, it should be supported with the requisite quota in place to ensure no overculling. Would also like the controls in place to ensure there is no overvulling and leaving carcasses in situ to avoid detection.