Saltwater Crocodile
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Crocodylus porosus or the Saltwater Crocodile
The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world. Males can grow up to 7 metres long, while females can reach a still-impressive 3 metres. In Australia, crocodiles were hunted to near extinction, but their numbers have increased since receiving protection in about 1970. As their name suggests, saltwater crocodiles can live quite happily in salt water. They have numerous salt glands on their tongues which get rid of excess salt from the crocodiles' bodies.
A female saltwater crocodile will make a nest by using her feet to scrape together vegetation, such as leaves, grass, and sticks. She'll then lay about 50 eggs in this nest. As the vegetation rots it generates heat, which keeps the eggs nice and warm, while the mother guards her nest. When the babies hatch, they call out to their mum, who will dig them out and carry them to the water in her mouth. The sex of the babies is determined by the temperature the eggs were incubated at. Mostly males will be produced when the eggs are kept at about 31.6 degrees Celcius, with mostly females resulting from temperatures higher or lower than this.
Did you know...
- The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile in the world. Males can grow up to 7 metres long, while females can reach a still-impressive 3 metres.
- In Australia, crocodiles were hunted to near extinction, but their numbers have increased since receiving protection around 1970.
- As their name suggests, saltwater crocodiles can live quite happily in salt water. They have dozens of glands on their tongues which get rid of excess salt from the crocodile's body.
- The sex of baby crocs is determined by the temperature the eggs were incubated at. Mostly males will be produced when the eggs are kept at about 31.6 degrees Celcius, with mostly females resulting from temperatures higher or lower than this.
Where to find Saltwater Crocodiles in Australia:
