Saltwater Crocodile - All About Me (MM21708)

Series - All About Me
Barcode: 9555480621708
Size: 170x195mm / Extent: 16 Pages

The saltwater crocodile, also known as the saltie, estuarine crocodile, or Indo-Pacific crocodile, holds the title of being the largest living reptile. These formidable creatures inhabit saltwater environments, brackish wetlands, and freshwater rivers across a vast range—from India’s east coast through Southeast Asia and the Sundaic region to northern Australia and Micronesia. Remarkably, they have been classified as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List since 19961.

Here are some fascinating facts about these impressive reptiles:

Size and Weight:
Males can grow up to a staggering 6 meters (20 feet) in length and weigh between 1,000 to 1,500 kg (2,200 to 3,300 lb). Rarely, they may exceed 6.3 meters (21 feet).
Females, on the other hand, are significantly smaller and rarely surpass 3 meters (9.8 feet) in length.
Diet and Predatory Behavior:
Saltwater crocodiles are opportunistic hypercarnivores—they lie in wait and ambush their prey. Once caught, they either drown it or swallow it whole.
Their menu includes a wide variety of animals: from other predators like sharks to various freshwater and saltwater fish, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and even mammals (yes, including humans!) that venture into their territory.
Taxonomy and Evolution:
The scientific name for the saltwater crocodile is Crocodylus porosus.
Over the years, several names were proposed for different saltwater crocodile specimens, but Crocodylus porosus remains the accepted classification.
Informally, they are also called the “sea crocodile” or simply the "saltie".
These ancient reptiles, with their prehistoric lineage and awe-inspiring presence, continue to capture our imagination and remind us of the wild wonders of our planet.