| Freshwater Crocodile | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Sauropsida |
| Order: | Crocodilia |
| Family: | Crocodylidae |
| Subfamily: | Crocodylinae |
| Genus: | Crocodylus |
| Species: | C. johnsoni |
| Binomial name | |
| Crocodylus johnsoni Gerard Krefft, 1873[2] |
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| Range of the freshwater crocodile in black | |
| Synonyms | |
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Crocodylus johnstoni[3] |
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The freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni or Crocodylus johnstoni; see below), also known as the Australian freshwater crocodile, Johnston's crocodile or colloquially as freshie, is a species of reptile endemic to the northern regions of Australia. It is much smaller than the other Australian species, the saltwater crocodile, which is responsible for attacks on people.
Unlike their larger saltwater relatives, freshwater crocodiles are not known as man-eaters and rarely cause fatalities although they will bite in self-defense if cornered. However as prey for larger adults can include wallabies, small children should not be left unattended in their presence, although no such attacks have been reported.
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The freshwater crocodile is a relatively small crocodilian. Males can grow to around 3 metres (9.8 ft) long, while females reach a maximum size of 2.1 metres (6.9 ft).[4] In areas such as Lake Argyle and Katherine Gorge there exist a handful of confirmed 4 metres (13 ft) individuals. This species is shy and has a more slender snout than the dangerous saltwater crocodile. The body colour is light brown with darker bands on the body and tail — these tend to be broken up near the neck. Some individuals possess distinct bands or speckling on the snout. Body scales are relatively large, with wide, close-knit armoured plates on the back. Rounded, pebbly scales cover the flanks and outsides of the legs.[4]
Although the freshwater crocodile does not attack humans as potential prey, it can deliver a nasty bite. There have been a (very limited) number of incidents where people have been bitten whilst swimming with freshwater crocodiles, and others incurred during scientific study. An attack by a freshwater crocodile on a human was recorded at Barramundi Gorge (also known as Maguk) in Kakadu National Park and resulted in minor injuries; the victim managed to swim and walk away from the attack. He had apparently passed directly over the crocodile in the water. However in general it is still considered safe to swim with this species, so long as they are not aggravated.[5]
Freshwater crocodiles are found in the states of Western Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory. Main habitats include freshwater wetlands, billabongs, rivers and creeks. They compete poorly with saltwater crocodiles; however this species is saltwater tolerant. Adult crocodiles eat birds, bats, reptiles, amphibians and fish, although larger individuals may take prey as large as a wallaby. This species can live in areas where saltwater crocodiles cannot, and are known to inhabit areas above the escarpment in Kakadu National Park and in very arid and rocky conditions (such as Katherine Gorge, where they are common and are relatively safe from saltwater crocodiles during the dry season.) However, they are still consistently found in low-level billabongs, living alongside the saltwater crocodiles near the tidal reaches of rivers.
Until recently the Freshwater crocodile was common in northern Australia, especially where saltwater crocodiles are absent (such as more arid inland areas and higher elevations). In recent years the population has dropped dramatically due to the ingestion of the invasive Cane Toad. The toad is poisonous to freshwater crocodiles, although not to saltwater crocodiles, and the toad is rampant throughout the Australian wilderness.[6] The crocodiles are also infected by Griphobilharzia amoena, a parasitic trematode, in regions such as Darwin.[7]
When Gerard Krefft named the species in 1873, he intended to commemorate the man, named Johnston, who first reported it to him. However, Krefft made an error in writing the name, and for many years the species has been known as johnsoni. Recent studies of Krefft's papers have determined the correct spelling of the name, and much of the literature has been updated to the correct usage. However, both versions are still extant. According to the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the epithet johnsoni (rather than the intended johnstoni) is correct.[4]
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Crocodylus_johnsoni Crocodylus johnsoni] at Wikimedia Commons
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