Excellent swimmers, Saltwater Crocodiles can be found in the northern parts of Australia along the coastline and up to 100 kms inland. When there are floods such as during the rainy season, they will use that to their advantage venturing far inland to enjoy prey.
However, not a win-win situation. For the hunted.
Crocodiles first appeared over 240 million years ago, making them true “living dinosaurs”. They can live up to 80 years, with some individuals documented to surpass 100 years.
Thermoregulation: Being ectothermic, they regulate body temperature by moving between water and land. They even “sweat” through their mouths by sitting with jaws agape.
Born Hunters
Also known as ’Saltie’ or Estuarine Crocodiles, beautiful in their own right, they are dangerous animals. In fact the most dangerous of any animal in Australia.
They are also quite intelligent when hunting prey, using tactics that completely surprise the unwary with their explosive power and determination. They lie in wait beneath the water’s surface, launching surprise attacks using their powerful tails and jaws. As their noses and eyes are on top of their heads, it makes it easy for them to hide and move about in murky waters as very little can be seen of them.
Diet: Opportunistic feeders—preying on fish, birds, turtles, livestock, and occasionally humans.
Known to even hunt sharks, they will wait patiently, up to days at a time, for their quarry while hidden under the waters. Anything that ventures near, including prey as big as water buffalo, are targets. Birds, fish, unwary fisherman campers are all on the menu.
While young, their mother will watch over them, helping them to get to water. They will also protect them before they disperse into the wild a few weeks later.
Most people would be well advised not to try and cuddle one.
Places to See Them
There are tours that take you into the wilderness of Northern Australia where you can see their habitats, however, due to their ability to hide so well, it is rare to spot them. Only go with extremely experienced guides.
Range: Found across northern Australia—from Rockhampton in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia.
Habitat: Despite their name, salties thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments including estuaries, rivers, swamps, and coastal wetlands.
Zoos and wildlife parks are another place to see them. A whole lot safer too. See:
Protected since the 1970s in Australia. Although their numbers are reasonable, they do face the threat of illegal hunting in the wild for their hides and have shrinking places to live. They also have a terrifying reputation, which does not help. Estimated 150,000 individuals in northern Australia.
Just a lil closer... Featherdale Wildlife Park. Photo David ireland
Next: Sulphur Crested Cockatoos
Saltwater Crocodiles
Australia Maps
Rainy Season
Excellent swimmers, Saltwater Crocodiles can be found in the northern parts of Australia along the coastline and up to 100 kms inland. When there are floods such as during the rainy season, they will use that to their advantage venturing far inland to enjoy prey.
However, not a win-win situation. For the hunted.
Crocodiles first appeared over 240 million years ago, making them true “living dinosaurs”. They can live up to 80 years, with some individuals documented to surpass 100 years.
Thermoregulation: Being ectothermic, they regulate body temperature by moving between water and land. They even “sweat” through their mouths by sitting with jaws agape.
Born Hunters
Also known as ’Saltie’ or Estuarine Crocodiles, beautiful in their own right, they are dangerous animals. In fact the most dangerous of any animal in Australia.
They are also quite intelligent when hunting prey, using tactics that completely surprise the unwary with their explosive power and determination. They lie in wait beneath the water’s surface, launching surprise attacks using their powerful tails and jaws. As their noses and eyes are on top of their heads, it makes it easy for them to hide and move about in murky waters as very little can be seen of them.
Diet: Opportunistic feeders—preying on fish, birds, turtles, livestock, and occasionally humans.
Known to even hunt sharks, they will wait patiently, up to days at a time, for their quarry while hidden under the waters. Anything that ventures near, including prey as big as water buffalo, are targets. Birds, fish, unwary fisherman campers are all on the menu.
While young, their mother will watch over them, helping them to get to water. They will also protect them before they disperse into the wild a few weeks later.
Most people would be well advised not to try and cuddle one.
Places to See Them
There are tours that take you into the wilderness of Northern Australia where you can see their habitats, however, due to their ability to hide so well, it is rare to spot them. Only go with extremely experienced guides.
Range: Found across northern Australia—from Rockhampton in Queensland to Broome in Western Australia.
Habitat: Despite their name, salties thrive in both saltwater and freshwater environments including estuaries, rivers, swamps, and coastal wetlands.
Zoos and wildlife parks are another place to see them. A whole lot safer too. See:
Australia Wildlife Parks
Hunters Become the Hunted
Protected since the 1970s in Australia. Although their numbers are reasonable, they do face the threat of illegal hunting in the wild for their hides and have shrinking places to live. They also have a terrifying reputation, which does not help. Estimated 150,000 individuals in northern Australia.
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Topic: Australia Indigenous Life, Arts and Culture
Main Photo: Just a lil closer... Featherdale Wildlife Park. Photo David ireland