Australian Crocodiles

Once endangered species, Australian crocodiles, both saltwater crocodiles and freshwater crocodiles, are now found in large numbers in their natural habitat in rivers and coastal wetland regions throughout northern Australia. .

Only two species of crocodile are recognised in Australia, although there has been some recent debate about whether some smaller crocodiles found in remote rivers may be a seperate species of freshwater crocodile.

Esturine (Saltwater) crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are by far the most numerous and are found all along the northern coast. An adult male can commonly grow to 6 or 7 metres and are extremely dangerous. Many deaths have been caused by crocodile attacks over the years. "Salties" are very territorial and often fight among themselves. In the wet season the female builds a nest out of vegetation on the bank of a river and defends the nest after laying her eggs.

Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus

Freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) are much smaller and are found in freshwater rivers and billabongs around the north of Australia. "Freshies" grow to about 3m, are a brownish colour and have a much longer, thinner snout than the salties. Although not considered dangerous because they generally avoid contact with people, several injuries have been recorded.

A Freshwater Crocodile basking in the sun. Crocodylus Johnstoni

Freshwater crocs do not build a nest, instead they lay their eggs in a burrow in the sand and do not guard the nest the way salties do. When the young hatch, their squeaks attract the female back to the nest and she digs them out and carries them to the water.

Warning signs like this are part of life in Northern Australia

Click here for information on how to see Australian crocodiles in their natural habitat