These small, rather harmless crocodiles are found in Northern Australia, from Western Australia, through the Northern Territory and into Queensland. Adult size is approximately 2.5 metres, males being larger than the females. Their primary habitat consists of marshlands, billabongs, rivers and creeks. They are more secretive than the big salties, and are more likely found in marshland where there is plenty of cover, unlike the salties which will regularly be seen swimming down the open river. Although they predominantly live within fresh water, as their name suggests, they do also venture into saltwater and can tolerate it well.
These crocodiles are mainly fish feeders, also taking amphibians, birds, rats and other small mammals and other reptiles. They do not have the power or size which the large saltwater crocodiles have, and therefore would have little chance, nor the will to attack or kill a human. Many tourists and Australian locals regularly swim with these freshwater crocodiles.
Breeding occurs around May, which is the very early stage of the dry season. Approximately 6 weeks later up to 20 eggs are laid in a nest dug out by the female. This nest is generally quite high upon the river embankment. Over the next 3 months these eggs will have to survive the feral pigs and monitor lizards before they hatch. Once they hatch, they are still at great risk from predatory birds, snakes and other crocodiles. It is estimated that only 1% of these hatchlings will actually survive to reach maturity and breed.
Luckily for the freshwater crocodiles, hunting has been kept to a minimum. They are a small species and almost harmless to humans, so there has been little desire to kill them. Their population is fairly stable and has been for many years.
By Chris Jones
Director of Pet Club UK Ltd.
http://www.petclubuk.com
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