Riska and Ambo, 23 Years Long Relationship In The Wild

PT Explorers July 3, 2025 10 Minutes read

Conservation

By Anil T Prabhakar

Photos by Anil T Prabhakar

Back to Edition 47

Indonesia, renowned for its rich biodiversity, faces challenges in preserving its unique and rare species, including the Sumatran tigers, Javan rhinoceros, Sumatran elephant, proboscis monkey, and critically endangered Orangutans. Recently, the crocodile population has come under threat due to habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and human invasions. A notable incident occurred in Sorong, Papua, Indonesia, where a mass massacre of 292 crocodiles sparked significant debate surrounding human-wildlife conflicts. These conflicts arise when human activities and requirements encroach upon the habitats and resources of wildlife populations, resulting in potential harm to both humans and wild animals. Crocodilians, as apex predators in inland waters, are frequently involved in such conflicts in various countries.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
An aerial view of Bontang Mangrove Forest. Discover the habitat of the majestic Saltwater Crocodile in the Bontang Mangrove Forest, East Kalimantan. These ancient reptiles thrive in the dense mangroves and winding waterways, a clear picture of the region’s rich biodiversity. This forest is not only a sanctuary for crocodiles but also a haven for countless other species, playing a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.

Human-Crocodile Relationship

Here, I present the other side of the conflict the story of a human-wildlife relationship. Pak Ambo, a fisherman from East Kalimantan, became famous in Indonesia because of his unique relationship with a wild crocodile named Riska. Riska inhabits the mangrove forest about two kilometers away from his home in Guntung Village, Bontang in East Kalimantan.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
A majestic Saltwater Crocodile from East Kalimantan, a symbol of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity. Found in lush mangroves and coastal waters, these apex predators play a vital role in the region’s delicate ecosystem. As guardians of this incredible habitat, let’s work together to protect these ancient reptiles and the environment they call home. East Kalimantan’s wildlife is a testimony to the beauty and resilience of nature.

I have been working in conservation photography for quite some time now. When I read about this wonderful story of Ambo and Riska, I decided to visit Pak Ambo to understand what exactly was happening in the wild. Pak Ambo is a migrant from another province in Indonesia called Sulawesi. He moved to East Kalimantan when he was young. About 23 years ago while fishing in the mangrove forest river, he came across a tiny crocodile hatchling. This crocodile hatchling would always follow him as he fished in the backwaters of Bontang Inlet. He began feeding the crocodile hatchling by tossing it fish while he fished.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
An aerial shot captures a crocodile named Riska in her natural habitat within the Bontang Mangrove Forest. The photograph frames Riska as she approaches Mr. Ambo’s boat. Known for his regular visits to this habitat, Mr. Ambo has formed a unique connection with the crocodile, often feeding her during his visits to the mangrove forest.

This connection grew stronger over the past 23 years. Pak Ambo would go fishing every other day. If he ever took a week-long break, the crocodile would begin searching for him. This became a routine for the crocodile. If Ambo did not go for fishing, it would come through the small creek and wait in front of his house. This behaviour surprised most of the villagers, and from these sightings, people began to learn about Ambo’s story. As a result, people started visiting him to witness this heartwarming bond between a human and a crocodile.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
A close-up shot of a saltwater crocodile highlights the beauty and power of this apex predator. Human-wildlife conflict often puts these creatures at risk. In Indonesia, it is not uncommon to hear news of crocodile attacks, followed by villagers retaliating by killing the crocodiles. This ongoing conflict stems from overlapping habitats and the struggle for resources, leading to tragic consequences for both humans and wildlife. Addressing this issue requires greater awareness, coexistence strategies, and conservation efforts to protect these ancient reptiles while ensuring the safety and livelihood of local communities.

Pak Ambo is not a crocodile handler, but his connection with the 14-foot crocodile amazed me during my visit to the mangrove forest. Pak Ambo named the crocodile Riska. According to him, he dreamed about this crocodile, and in that dream, he called her ‘Riska.’ Later, he named the crocodile ‘Riska’ and considered her one of his daughters. From Ambo’s house to this mangrove forest, it is about 15 to 20 minutes’ sailing distance and it can only be done by a small wooden boat. My friends and I travelled to the mangrove forest at around eight a.m. The moment we reached Riska’s habitat, we couldn’t find her for about five minutes. Then Pak Ambo started calling her name and clapping his hands. I noticed her lying on the riverbank; suddenly, she plunged into the river and swam closer to our small wooden boat. She spent almost 20 minutes around the boat before moving away towards the banks of the river. For the first time in my life, I had a close encounter of a crocodile in the wild, there was hardly a 20-centimeter distance between the crocodile and my boat.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
Mr. Ambo’s story is quite famous in Kalimantan. It was a heartwarming experience interacting with Mr. Ambo at his house as he shared the fascinating story of Riska, the crocodile. He told how their unique relationship began, the reason behind naming her Riska, and how their bond has grown over an incredible 23 years. Listening to him talk about their journey was both touching and inspiring, showcasing a rare connection between a human and a wild animal.

Riska, a healthy crocodile, is almost 24 years old and impressive in size, measuring over 14 feet in length. Crocodiles of this size are often apex predators, indicating Riska’s strength and maturity. At over 1,000 pounds, she likely has a significant presence, with her body being built for both power and survival. Crocodiles generally live in freshwater habitats, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and have evolved to be incredibly resilient creatures. With a lifespan that can exceed 70 years in captivity, Riska, at 24, is still in her prime. Her large size, especially in terms of weight, suggests that she enjoys ample nutrition and a stable environment. Crocodiles are carnivorous, feeding on fish, birds, and mammals, and they rely on their powerful jaws and ambush tactics to hunt. As a crocodile, Riska has likely mastered her environment, whether it be her sharp reflexes in hunting or her ability to regulate her body temperature by basking in the sun or cooling off in the water.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
This is one of my closest shots of Riska, and it was a bit intimidating as this giant crocodile approached us after Mr. Ambo called her by name, accompanied by clapping his hands. Upon reaching the crocodile habitat, it was fascinating to witness how she responded to his familiar call. Her immense size, larger than Ambo’s speedboat, left me in awe. Seeing such a healthy and magnificent crocodile up close in the wild was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. It was my first time experiencing a wild crocodile at such proximity, making it an unforgettable encounter.

Over the last 23 years, there have never been any attacks on people reported involving Riska. She has now become a darling of the entire village. Sometimes she visits the village through the narrow creek during high tides. Even though Mr. Ambo is confident that Riska won’t attack him, he has never displayed any great adventurism by swimming with Riska or entering her habitat to impress his visitors. He respects her habitat and her wildness and has never given any chance for any intrusive activities during his visits, as he does remember, they are still part of the unknown, wild, and also ferocious predators, and anything can happen at any time beyond human predictions. The relationship between humans and animals always provides heartwarming stories, and I’ve heard many similar tales from different parts of the world.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
Guntung, a small village in Bontang, East Kalimantan, is home to Mr. Ambo. The saltwater crocodile habitat lies about 2 kilometers from his house. His home is located near a narrow water canal that flows toward an inlet. This channel serves as the only water route to reach the mangrove forest, where Riska, the crocodile, can be sighted. The villagers of Guntung primarily depend on fishing as their main livelihood.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
Our journey to the mangrove forest was made in a small wooden boat, which can accommodate a maximum of four people. I was accompanied by two crew members who assisted me with my project. It proved to be a challenging experience, as they were not familiarized with wildlife adventures. There were several instances where I needed to visit this location multiple times to complete the conservation project. Despite the challenges, each trip brought valuable insights and progress toward the project’s goal, making it a rewarding and transformative experience for all involved.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
My closest encounter with Riska, a saltwater crocodile, was truly unforgettable. At nearly 14 feet long, she is larger than our boat. Her textured skin is a clear sign of her health and vitality. Riska has been living in the same location for almost 23 years, becoming a remarkable part of the local ecosystem. Observing her in such close proximity was a humbling experience, reminding me of the strength and resilience of these ancient creatures.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
In this photograph, Mr. Ambo is seen with Riska, the giant saltwater crocodile, who is basking in the sun. The image captures her immense size, with an approximate weight of 1,000 pounds and a length of about 14 feet. Her ventral side is well-scaled, featuring a subtle yellowish tint, while her deep yellow eyes stand out against her rugged appearance. The dorsal skin is heavily textured, a clear sign of her healthy state. Riska’s impressive size and remarkable features serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of these ancient creatures in their natural habitat.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
Ambo has been feeding Riska, the crocodile, fish and chicken for years, forming a unique bond through their shared routine. Whenever Mr. Ambo visits the habitat, he brings chicken to feed her, a habit that Riska has come to expect. If Ambo doesn’t visit, she often comes to find him, traveling through the creek. This connection between them reflects the deep, unusual relationship they’ve built over time.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
This close-up shot of Riska reveals the striking detail of her eye, a remarkable piece of evolutionary engineering. Crocodile eyes have evolved over 200 million years, making them one of the most advanced visual systems on the planet. Their specialized structure allows them to see both above and below the water’s surface, providing an incredible advantage for hunting.

Photo by © Anil T Prabhakar
The coloration of a crocodile’s skin is a brilliant adaptation, allowing it to blend into its surroundings and providing effective camouflage from other creatures. This natural camouflage plays a vital role in both hunting and staying safe from potential threats. Mangroves, with their thick vegetation and muddy waters, are the best habitat for saltwater crocodiles. The unique environment of the mangrove forest offers these reptiles the perfect conditions for survival, with ample food, shelter, and a secure space for nesting and breeding.

Author

Anil T Prabhakar

Anil T Prabhakar- A renowned photographer, has been an active advocate and activist for Orangutan protection and conservation. He is also associated with ,”Konservasi Alam Nusantara” an NGO committed towards protection of Magroves. With over 40 International photo exhibitions to his credit, Anil has also published a photobook titled “The Beauty and Bleakness Of Mount...