The Australian Saltwater Crocodile

The saltwater crocodile, called Crocodylus porosus by scientists, is the most fearsome predator in its range and is a creature not to be taken lightly. They are native not only to the top end of Australia but are also found throughout South East Asia and even in India and Sri Lanka. However, most people think of this animal as Australian because of the film Crocodile Dundee. Australia is also home to the largest population of this animal. These animals are also called "salties" by locals in the Northern Territory of Australia. They get this name from where they live, which is in estuarine areas. They also live in freshwater billabongs and rivers, and are capable of venturing out into the open sea.

A Resilient Species

Saltwater crocodiles were nearly driven to extinction in Australia in the 1970s due to over hunting. They were prized mostly for their skin which does make an excellent soft and attractive leather. Then the Australian government stepped in and protected the species completely. Since then the population has exploded and these crocodiles are now not even considered under any threat of extinction at all. This is due to them laying large nests of up to 70 eggs apiece, caring for their young and being able to breed when only a few years old. Adults have no natural predators except humans.

In Australia there are many, many large specimens in the wild. Since hunting stopped in the 70s an entire generation has grown with no threat from humans. These crocs can measure up to four metres (13 feet) in length and are more than capable of killing a person. These are easily the most dangerous saltwater crocodiles around. There are larger specimens of course. I have been far too close to a six metre (20 feet) monster when doing field work. These larger animals are generally very reclusive. They are survivors of the time when crocs were hunted. The only survived because they were scared of people, probably from being shot but not killed.

Crocs Are NOT Slow

Saltwater crocs are also capable of fast movement on land. I was taking a photo of a four metre crocodile one night, and I was about 6 metres away from it. It was facing away from me; I had deliberately approached it so this would be the case. When the camera flash went off the croc was startled and leapt forward. I have never seen such speed. It covered more than its body length in the blinking of an eye. They can also run for periods on land. When they do this they pull their legs more under the body and get their stomachs completely off the ground.

Crocodile Safety

If you're in the bush in northern Australia you can reduce the chance of being attacked by a saltwater crocodile mainly by using common sense. Wild crocodiles should never be approached for any reason, and here are some suggestions to further ireduce your chances of becoming a crocodile's meal:

* If there's a "warning, crocodiles" sign at the waterhole, do NOT go swimming there.
* If there is no warning sign at the waterhole, stay alert anyway as one may have recently taken up residence.
* If you're in the water and crocs are around, do not thrash about as this will attract them. Move calmly and quickly to the shore.
* If you are fishing and need to get out of the boat to wade ashore, make sure you have been keeping a good lookout for crocs for at least 5 minutes before you go into the water.
* Do NOT gut and clean fish in the water where crocs are present. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I have seen this being done. The person who does this may not be attacked, but someone will be.
* Avoid the water's edge. This is the best place for an ambush, and remember that a saltie can hold its breath for a long time. Activities like cleaning plates and pans at the water's edge is a recipe for disaster.
* Vary your movements. Salties are very good at recognising patterns in behaviour and planning ambushes around them. If you need to go to the edge of a saltwater crocodile infested river to do whatever, make sure you vary both the location and the time each day. Otherwise you'll quickly find a reception committee in the form of a scaly, flesh eating monster.
* Run in a zig zag. If by some good fortune you are ambushed and survive the initial attack, the crocodile may well run after you over land. I have had this happen to me, but luckily I was on a four wheel motorcycle and could escape. Apparently they are fast runners in a straight line, but have difficulty changing direction.

The safest way to see these creatures without risking your life is either to visit a crocodile farm, see them in the zoo or take a river cruise where the animals may be fed in front of you. This last option brngs you closest to the creatures in their natural habitat.