Species · GBIF taxon 9354985
Freshwater Crocodile
Crocodylus johnstoniAlso known as Australian Freshwater Crocodile, Johnstone's Crocodile, Johnstone River Crocodile, Freshie
Freshwater crocodiles are slender-snouted reptiles that bask on riverbanks and sandbars across northern Australia. They are remarkably agile on land, capable of a unique galloping gait when startled or moving between waterholes. During the dry season, they congregate in shrinking billabongs, sharing crowded pools peacefully unless provoked.
ReptileCarnivoreNocturnal
Licensed reference(c) Benchill, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding on fish, frogs, crustaceans, and small terrestrial animals
- family
- Crocodylidae
- threats
- Ingestion of toxic invasive cane toads, habitat destruction, and competition with saltwater crocodiles
- life Span
- 50 to 60 years
LC
Can deliver a painful defensive bite if cornered or startled; observe from a safe distance.
Capable of inflicting severe lacerations with their sharp teeth when defending themselves or their nests.
Never attempt to touch, feed, or corner them, and back away slowly if one displays defensive posturing.- Keep Distance: Maintain a respectful distance of at least ten meters when observing them on banks.
- Avoid Night Swimming: Do not swim in deep billabongs at night when these predators are most active.
- Watch the Snout: Distinguish them from saltwater crocodiles by their much narrower, V-shaped snout.