Reptile Facts

1. Australia is home to 2 of the 22 species of Crocodiles.
2. There is neither a skin nor a skeleton of an Australian Saltwater Crocodile over 6.7 metres in length.
3. Most of a crocodiles strenuous activity is anaerobic. Afterwards it must rest.
4. There are no alligators in Australia, only crocodiles.
5. The broad-nosed, stout toothed Saltwater, or Estuarine, crocodile occurs across Northern Australia. It lives in fresh, salt and brackish water, especially in rivers crossing coastal flood plains.
6. The narrow-snouted, needle-toothed Freshwater crocodile of Northern Australia rarely exceeds three metres in length. It is seldom found in tidal areas and inhabits rivers, billabongs and swamps.
7. An effective method of telling the difference between a crocodile and an alligator is the teeth. A crocodiles large lower canine is still visible when the mouth is fully closed and an alligators teeth fit comfortably into the upper jaw sockets and are invisible when the mouth is fully closed.
8. A Crocodile has 66 teeth. Many of which are replaced many times over the crocdiles lifespan.
9. The muscles which close a crocodiles jaw are immensley powerful, the muscles which open a crocodiles jaw are relatively weak
10. A crocodiles tail carries two rows of raised boneless scales or scutes. These contain blood vessels and when exposed to the heat help warm the crocodiles body, the scutes also increase the paddle area of the tail.
11. A crocodile threatened by another crocodile will raise its snout out of the water to show submission.
12. Stones found in crocodiles stomachs help it grind food. It is also believed to be a "ballast" helping the crocodile remain motionless underwater.
13. Both species of crocodiles take prey by lying in wait for ambush.