An anonymous caller has sparked an investigation into the illegal decapitation of crocodiles in far north Queensland.
There are fears the 40-year-old female crocodile was deliberately targeted after its partial remains were found on the banks of the Daintree River on May 18.
Images of the incident appear to show the crocodile’s decapitated head on the riverbank.
The discovery was made by a local tour operator, who said they received an anonymous call from a man who said he had killed the crocodile, the Department of Environment and Science said on Wednesday.
The man also reportedly took responsibility for another incident in April, where another crocodile was found decapitated on a beach in Cow Bay.
Crocodiles have been declared vulnerable and are a protected species in Queensland under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Deliberately harming, killing or being in possession of any part of a dead crocodile is against the law and carries a maximum penalty of $32,243.
Anyone with information about the incidents or people in possession of crocodile skulls or body parts is urged to contact Queensland Police.
The investigation will be overseen by the Department of Environment and Science.