While going through this article you’ll come to know some of the most significant saltwater crocodile facts including its habitat, diet and reproduction. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is by far the largest reptile and is also known as Indo-Pacific crocodile. These reptiles are generally known to reside in the Northern Australia and Southeast Asia. With powerful jaws, these crocodiles can prove fatal for humans in that the studies showed that they have a strong tendency to attack humans that comes into their territories.
Saltwater Crocodile Facts
As compared to the mugger crocodile, these animals have longer nose.
The weight of an adult crocodile is around 409 – 1,000 kg (900 – 2,200 lb), and it is 4.1 – 5.5 m (13 – 18 feet) long. These males have been known to exceed 6 metres (20 feet), coupled with a weight of about 1,000 kg (2,200 lb). The size of the crocodile predominantly depends upon the condition and age.
These reptiles are strong territorial which is why they have so many preys.
Read More: Saltwater Crocodile Facts for Kids
The males are considerably greater and heavier in comparison to the females.
The largest female crocodile was at 4.2 m (14 feet), with the weight of 450 kg (1,000 lb).
The longest crocodile ever recorded was at 6.2 metres (20 feet). Biologists found some remains of the earliest crocodiles’ skull that demonstrate that those reptiles had been 7 metres (23 feet) long. Back in 1840, several claims came to the fore regarding the size. Some people claimed to shot a crocodile in Bay of Bengal in 1840, with the length measured at 10 metres (33 feet). However, scientists still believe that there are some saltwater crocodiles with the length of 7 metres (23 feet) living today.
These crocodiles prefer to stay in the freshwater swamps and flowing stream especially in the tropical wet season. They can swim at a speed of 15 – 18 mph (6.7 – 8.0 m/s), though in short bursts, with an average speed of 2 – 3 miles per hour (0.9 – 1.3 m/s).
Where Do Saltwater Crocodiles Live?
These types of crocodiles are known to reside in the Indian Subcontinent. One of the largest concentrations of these species inhabits in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of Orissa, with the smaller proportions also exist in Bangladesh. Saltwater crocodile facts about its distribution show that the population is rapidly increasing in the North Territory and Western Australia (Queensland), with an estimated number of individuals of about 100,000 – 200,000adults. These reptiles are the inhabitants of the Broome, Rockhampton, New Guinea, Kai Islands, Aru Islands, Maluku Islands and Alligator Rivers.
Historically speaking, these crocodiles had been widely found in the Southeast Asia but now the species have faced a sudden decline. Some other places where the largest reptiles exist include Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indochina, Myanmar, Mekong Delta and Laos. There has been an irregular distribution of these species all throughout Indonesia and Malaysia. Saltwater crocodiles have been extinct in Lombok, Java, Bali and Komodo; rare individuals are found in the Solomon Islands. These crocodile species also dwell in the East coast of Africa and Seychelles Islands. For the reason that crocodiles apt to travel great distances, saltwater crocodiles are not usually seen in areas where they are deemed to be native. These species are found in a variety of islands such as Solomon Islands and Fraser Islands.
Saltwater Crocodile Facts | Reproduction
The length of the newly hatched saltwater crocodile measures around 25 to 30 cm (9.8–12 inches).
Males turn out to be mature at the age of 16 years, with the length measuring at 3.3 m (11 feet); whereas females reach maturity after 12 – 14 years of age, with the length measuring at 2.1 m (6.9 metres).
What Do Saltwater Crocodiles Eat?
Being an opportunistic feeder, saltwater crocodiles are not reluctant to prey on large sized animals that enter into their territories. These reptiles are also known to attack humans. Young crocodiles predominantly rely on small animals such as insects, reptiles, fish, crustaceans, and amphibians.
Read More: What Do Saltwater Crocodiles Eat?
Adults usually take on wild boar, dingos, birds, domestic livestock, kangaroos, gaurs, deer, bats, monkeys, monkeys, goannas, horses and cattle. Sometime these species have also been known to prey on Bengal tiger and sharks.
They may not wholly devour Bengal tigers. These animals are not considered to be the active hunters and they largely hunt at night. They employ sit-and-wait tactics to prey on medium-sized animals.
Saltwater Crocodile Facts | Predators
Young crocodiles often fall victim to the monitor lizards, large crocodiles, tigers, leopards, and other aquatic raptorial birds.
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