Australian Crocodiles - Facts and Myths |
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Australia is almost immediately associated with the little and cute Koala bear, hanging around in some Eucalyptus tree, eating it's leaves all day. Or with some kangaroo jumping around in the outback, but is much more to see, from the most venomous snake in the world the inland taipan to some giant crocodiles. On Australian territory we can find only 2 crocodile species from the 14 that exist all over the world. However those 2 could hardly end up being more distinct, in size, aggressiveness or the danger they pose to humans. One of them is quite likely the most dangerous crocodile on the planet, the saltwater crocodile. There are plenty of attacks and in some cases human deaths due to saltwater crocodiles. The other, the freshwater crocodile thought of as a small to medium size crocodilian, and not deemed deadly to human beings, having caused very few problems and no human fatalities were actually registered. When traveling to Australia and moving into crocodile territory, we must always realize that simple fact in order to avoid any kind of unpleasant incident.
What is the saltwater crocodile size?
The saltwater crocodile is big, very big, actually it is the biggest, and can measure up to 7 meters long, nevertheless, much like almost all giant animals or predators, there are so many legends about crocodiles with 8 or 9 meters if not more, but as usually these remain unconfirmed. What is the saltwater crocodile habitat and preservation status? In Australia the species occupies the northern territory, living in waterways estuaries and can be found in the sea. This is the crocodilian with the larger territorial distribution reaching from Australia all the way to India and also across the Southeast Asia. This species was first hunted down up until it was eventually pretty much wiped out. But since the 1970's after they had been preserved their current population numbers have,and in fact is no more at risk.The saltwater crocodile is also known by other names like: Saltie, estuarine crocodile or indo-pacific crocodile. They are actually able to shoot their own body straight up, about 2 thirds outside the water employing their strong tail as you can see on plenty of jumping crocodile cruise ships. What is the freshwater crocodile size? They can measure up to 3 meter long, much smaller than their large cousins the saltwater crocodile or saltie. What is the freshwater crocodile habitat and preservation status? This species also occupy the northern Australia territory, living within rivers ponds, swamps, billabongs. They've been found more away from the coast, clear of saltwater crocodiles. This crocodile was hunted down nearly to extinction, once saltwater crocodiles had become hard to find. However since the 60's they're protected by law and therefore the species population numbers multiplied, and now it is not anymore in danger. The freshwater crocodile is also known by other names like: Freshie, Australian freshwater crocodile or Johnston's crocodile. This unique crocodile species can run at an exceptionally amazing speed, a maximum of 17 km/h was recorded, and they are possibly the quickest, this can be regarded as a protection system for helping secure them from the much larger salties. In conclusion: Australian Crocodiles like other crocodilians around the world are truly fantastic animals, which usually take up an important part in their own natural environment balance . Consequently they need to be saved. We must discover how to inhabit the crocodiles world as they simply live on the planet in the past couple hundred million years, a little bit longer when compared to us humans. See also: Facts about crocodiles for kids Where crocodiles live Where do alligators live Alligator facts for kids |
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