CrocBITE

The saltwater crocodile shares the notorious reputation of the Nile crocodile as being one of the most dangerous crocodile species to humans. It is regarded as the largest living reptile, with evidence for rare specimens reaching almost 7 m (23 ft). Saltwater crocodiles have the widest distribution of any species, being found from parts of eastern India, throughout SE Asia as far as Vanuatu. Australia is the species’ stronghold, with perhaps 150,000 individuals found in tidal rivers and creeks along the northern coastline. They are equally at home in freshwater, extending far upstream in some areas. This species can travel very long distances by sea, and itinerants can be found well outside the natural range of the species. Recently itinerants have been found within the Maldives, portions of Micronesia and in New Caledonia, while in the past itinerants have been recorded from as far as the main Japanese island of Honshu. Saltwater crocodiles were once found in southern China, but disappeared in the late 19th Century as the human population expanded. The diet of the species changes with size; juveniles feed primarily on invertebrates and small vertebrates, while adults may prey upon almost any animal within their range including fish (plus sharks), reptiles, bats, pigs, domestic livestock, monkeys, and humans. From a conservation standpoint the species is globally secure thanks to large population bases in New Guinea and Australia. Yet many populations face localized extinction (e.g. Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka) and it has already been extirpated from a substantial portion of its range (e.g. Seychelles, Thailand and Vietnam). Current threats to the species include the destruction of habitat and direct fear-related killings.