Crocodiles- saltwater and freshwater
There are two major types of crocodiles in Australia, both hanging out in the north, in parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. The two types differ considerably in the area in which they inhabit, their temperament and their physical characteristics. As their names indicate, Saltwater (Estuarine) crocodiles live in coastal areas, open seas, tidal rivers, estuaries and floodplains, especially in the Kimberley region. Confusingly though- they are sometimes found in freshwater pools inland also. These guys are larger than the freshwater crocodiles, and can grow to 7 metres. They are dangerous predators and they live on a diet of fish, waterbirds and sometimes land based mammals such as wallabies. They can be easily identified by their lareg size, broad snout and the absence of an occipital pattern on their heads. Freshwater crocodiles inhabit freshwater creeks, rivers, artificial lakes and sometimes tidal areas. They feed mainly on insects, small aquatic animals and fish and are more passive around humans. Not considered aggressive, they will observe human activity but not go out of their way to attack. Yet, if provoked they can do great harm. They are smaller than the "Salties", with a narrower snout and they have an occipital pattern (four oval scales) on their head.
We have seen both types in our travels, the salties being mostly in the Crocodile Park in Broome and the freshies being in both Geikie and Windjana Gorges and Tunnel Creek. Here are some photos... from those in captivity.
Feeding time! They were a bit reluctant to feed (they're fed daily at 3.30pm for the tourists) as it's winter time and their bodies are cooler and therefore cannot easily process food. So, they don't eat much during wintertime as they cannot adequately digest (and the food can go rotten in their tummies and kill them). But from the feeding it was obvious which were salties and which freshies as the former really attacked the food, launching out of the water, whereas the latter needed the food to be thrown into the water towards them
A brave little explorer holding a freshie.
In the wild at Windjana Gorge the freshies looked more like this... there were almost 100 in the midday sun.
Cruising around
They were so much more active in the high heat.
In Geikie Gorge National Park- on the Fitzroy River... the freshies were smaller and most placid.
Hard to see, but in the foreground is a croc just metres away from a pelican- neither was moving!
Enjoying the sunshine
We didn't actually see the crocodiles in Tunnel Creek, as it was very dark, but eyes shone in the torchlight!
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