McKinlay River Freshwater Crocodile Project 2001

From July to November 2001 Wildlife Management International began a project to assess the impact of invading cane toads (Bufo marinus) on native Australian freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni). Dozens of staff and volunteers took part in the project which included habitat surveys, capture and measurement of crocodiles. The following photographs catalogue just some of that work.

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

Click on an image for an enlargement and description.

*Setting the Scene*
The first camp at Big Bony billabong	Third camp, Many Catfish billaong	Small, mainstream billabong with nets	The core team members and toothy friend

The boat all ready to go	View of a billabong and buoyant capture team	Dangerous angles whilst checking the net	Getting the twigs out

*Catching Crocs*
Not another fish...	Heather wrangles a small freshie	Watch those teeth!	When there's no boat available...

A sorry excuse for a coffee break!	The Army don't mess around with small ones	Novel uses for a screwdriver	The result of 20 frantic minutes

*Tying and Measuring*
A cool spot to wait before being measured	Plenty of crocodiles waiting their turn	Ensuring the crocs are comfortable, and knots secure!	Sometimes there just isn't enough space on the ground

Probably not what Toyota had in mind	Untying a crocodile for measurement	The measuring station	Measuring the head of a small crocodile

No wonder this crocodile was thin	Skin parasite trails	Everyone has to pose for a photograph!	When you've gotta go...

*A Lot of Work*
Keeping the ants off	Driving crocodiles into the nets	Carrying a crocodile to shore	Taking a coffee break at "93" billabong

When the flies get too much, you can always retreat!	The size range of crocodiles caught	Driving through the bush	Dr Webb bogs the 4WD!

Why God created winches	Australian Army 5/11 volunteers with their catch	National Geographic interviewing for Supercroc	The mechanics of filming galloping crocodiles

Few sunsets are better than those in the Northern Territory	Crocodiles make the front page

*Want to Take Part?*
The project will continue in 2002 from July to early October, and again in 2003 during the same period. WMI can offer keen volunteers the opportunity to take part in the project in either 2002 or 2003. Interested?