Crocodilians: Natural History & Conservation: Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, Gharials

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Crocodilian images which reveal fascinating stories told from a visual perspective.

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Fresh Water

Juvenile Indian gharial

Australian freshwater crocodiles are an under-appreciated species. They have to share the limelight with estuarine / saltwater crocodiles, but freshies (as they are colloquially known) are arguably even more fascinating despite their smaller stature. Freshwater crocodiles probably evolved from saltwater crocodiles, yet were forced into more marginal upstream habitat where their morpholgy and behaviour changed to better suit the environment. Bill Wagner was keen to see a freshwater crocodile on his recent trip to Australia, and he was rewarded with this impressive adult - probably a male given his size. Upstream river systems may be considered marginal habitat, but at a glance they seem to have the advantage of being considerably more aesthetic than the muddy tidal banks favoured by saltwater crocodiles.

Bill writes "On July 26, 2001 this 7 foot Johnston's crocodile was sunning on the Lawn Hill River at Adel's Grove camp outside Boodjamulla Natl. Park (formerly Lawn Hill) in North Queensland. The teeth are nicely reflected in the water. We swam there every day... I had been to Aussie so many times and finally got to see the freshie!"

That's it folks, all the photos for the 2003 competition are now in. Which month do you think featured the best photograph? Our team of croc-eyed judges will be making a decision in January 2004, but if you'd like to contribute just let me know. Any new photographs will be considered for 2004.