Senator backs croc trophy hunting

Trophy hunting of crocodiles has won the backing of a crossbench senator who argues it will save lives and create revenue for Northern Territory indigenous communities.

The case for limited trophy hunting is being pushed by some federal Nationals MPs, but opposed by most Liberals.

The idea has the support of Liberal Democrat David Leyonhjelm, who controversially argued for a relaxation of gun controls after the Lindt Cafe siege.

Senator Leyonhjelm claims crocodiles are "nowhere near" endangered.

Allowing them to be hunted as trophies could reduce the threat to children swimming in water holes, he says.

"You don't threaten the species, and you generate money from people who want to do it and pay to do it," Senator Leyonhjelm told reporters in Canberra on Tuesday.

But Greens leader Christine Milne says trophy hunting has no place in Australia.