How to tell freshwater from saltwater crocodiles
There are many subtle differences between saltwater and freshwater crocodiles, which we won’t mention here. (Who wants to get that close to a crocodile to figure out what species it is.)
The most easily noticed difference between the species (besides size) is the shape of the head and teeth.
Freshwater crocodiles have longer and thinner snouts, with a straight jawline, and all their teeth nearly equal in size.
Saltwater crocodiles have a broad, powerful-looking snout, with an uneven jawline. Their teeth vary in size with some almost twice the size of others. (We do not recommend getting close enough to look at their teeth.)
Crocodile Conservation
These two species of crocodiles, being the largest predators in their homes, are no doubt important to the balance of the ecosystem. Not only does their predation effect other species, but birds, snakes, and fish eat crocodile hatchlings. Because of the important status and uniqueness crocodiles are protected species in Australia, and it is illegal to harm or kill either species.
This was not always the case, as up until 1972 crocodiles were hunted, for their skins, which were made into leather goods of all kinds. Populations at that point were highly reduced by hunting, but since then populations of both species have rebounded. You still meet older men in town who at one time of their lives supported their families by hunting crocodiles.
The future of the freshwater crocodile seems pretty secure, even though the species is only found in Australia, its populations are stable or growing. Populations of saltwater crocodiles in other countries, such as New Guinea and Indonesia, are still dropping, as hunting still continues in some countries outside Australia.
Within Australia the prospects for saltwater crocodiles seem good in some areas, but is uncertain in others. The remote regions of it’s range will likely remain remote for the foreseeable future, they can live and breed largely undisturbed there.
Along the populated eastern coast of Australia, the presence of these predators creates a conflict between conservation and public safety, and issue that will remain unsettled for some time. Along parts of the east coast, crocodile populations of crocodiles have not grown since their protection began. As human populations grow, the potential for problems may increase. Habitat loss could reduce the crocodile populations further.
Crocodile populations in populated areas are monitored and managed. In between the Daintree River and Cairns, all crocodiles found are captured and relocated to crocodile farms. While this protects the human population in this area (many of whom are visitors and not as familiar with being “croc-wise”.) it concerns some environmentalists, who point out that the rivers in this area are missing their most important predator, which may effect the ecological health of the river. They also point out that because saltwater crocodiles are migratory, these rivers cannot be assumed to be croc free, as a croc could have moved in recently.
Others point out that by minimizing the chances of problem encounters between people and crocodiles, and by educating the public on how to live safely alongside crocodiles, public opinion may evolve further towards complete support of conserving crocodile populations, even in areas close to human population centers. It will be interesting to see what happens to these eastern coastal populations of crocodiles in the coming years.
The Crocodile Industry
Crocodiles are farmed very successfully in tropical Australia. Farms maintain small breeding populations, and raise the hatchlings for several years, usually in large shallow lagoons or ponds, until they reach marketable size, usually around a meter in length.
Crocodile farm
There are three main products of crocodile farms. The leather is used in the fashion industry, mostly for fashionable (and very expensive) handbags, shoes, and other items. The meat is marketed locally, and served in many restaurants. (If you want to find out if it tastes like chicken: we’re not telling; you will have to come over and make up your own mind!) The crocodiles themselves are also a source of income, as many of the operations, including two locally, charge admission and offer tours.
