Freshwater Crocodile ( Crocodylus johnstoni )
The Australian Freshwater Crocodile is significaantly smaller than its saltwater counterpart, although they are closely related. Freshies have needle-like teeth that are used to pierce and kill prey. Their snout is narrow annlong. Freshies are olive to light brown with dark, thin bands around the abdomen and tail. They have visible hard, boney plates under scales for protection. They have rear webbed feet, making them fast swimmers. They are not considered to be a threat to humans.
Distribution & Habitat:
Freshies live in areas with fresh to slightly salty water such as lagoons, rivers, billabongs, and swamps. They are found in coastal and slightly inland areas in the northern parts of Australia from Westeren Australia to Queensland.
Diet:
Freshwater Crocidiles subsist primarily on insects, fish, frogs, turtles, waterbirds and snakes. Unlike saltwater crocodiles, they are not considerd a threat to humans but can a inflict a severe bite if provoked.
Breeding:
Freshie lay eggs in the dry season in sand burrows dug by the mother. The average clutch size is 13 eggs. They eggs are incubated for 74 to 80 days. Once hatched, the mother protects and feed the juveniles.
Conservation Status:
Not Threatened
