McKinlay River Freshwater Crocodile Project 2001

The result of 20 frantic minutes

Early during the catch of a particular billabong, crocodiles normally hit the nets thick and fast. It's very important to get them out of the nets as quickly as possible, as they cannot hold their breath indefinitely. That makes efficient release of crocodiles important, as well as proper planning to ensure there are always enough people and boats to cover the available nets. Each boat often comes back to shore loaded with crocodiles captured in a short space of time, particularly in billabongs with high densities of crocodiles. Teamwork is, as always, important.

Incidentally, crocodiles are always covered with cool, damp hessian sacking while sitting in the boat. It's very important to keep them cool before they're returned to shore, and the hessian was only removed so this photograph could be taken.

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setting the scene | catching crocs | tying and measuring | a lot of work | want to take part?