See & Do / Nature / The Crocodile

These ancient reptiles of the archosaur family have inhabited the Northern Territory’s rugged landscapes for more than 200 million years.

Grahame Webb is a world-renowned crocodile expert at Crocodylus Park. He has worked with crocodiles for the past 40 years and is chairman of a number of pioneering crocodile conservation organisations, including the Crocodile Specialist Group.

Of the 23 crocodile species in the world, the Australian saltwater crocodile is the largest and the most aggressive. They’re found in the Northern Territory more than anywhere else in the world.

Crocodiles are the largest reptiles on earth and have powerful bone-crushing jaws, but they’re very gentle with their young and often help eggs hatch by gently cracking them in their mouths.

The hatchlings welcome a helping hand, with only 50% of young making it to their first birthday. Of these, only 30% make it to their second and less than 1% of all crocodiles reach maturity.

Crocodiles can live between 80 and 100 years - if they are not eaten by fellow crocodiles. The saltwater crocodile is very aggressive and often fights with other crocs for food and territory.

The aggressiveness and strength of saltwater crocodiles has earned them top spot in the food chain and helped them survive a period of global cooling that wiped out the dinosaurs.

Saltwater crocodiles are the ultimate hunting machine. The ridges of bone under their tough, leathery skin helps make them impenetrable, while their jaws and interlocking teeth exert enormous pressure on their prey.

Crocodiles can reach six metres in length and weigh up to one tonne. They have incredibly quick reflexes that spell disaster for prey unaware of their approach.

You wouldn’t want to be trapped on an island surrounded by crocodiles!