Class: Reptilia
Lifespan: Over 100 years
Diet: Carnivore
Weight: Up to 100kg
Height: Up to 3m
Reproduction: Egg-laying
Status: Least Concern
Crocodiles once roamed the earth with the dinosaurs. Their snout, armoured scales, sharp teeth and webbed hind feet have remained relatively unchanged for over 200 million years.
Found throughout billabongs, rivers, creeks and wetlands of northern Australia, freshwater crocodiles are well adapted to an amphibious life. They can hold their breath under water for up to an hour and swim rapidly by using their powerful tails. On land, they move very quickly over short distances and can propel themselves at great speed down sloping river banks into the water.
As a reptile, crocodiles cannot sweat to maintain their body temperature. Instead, they cool down by making their way to the water or sitting with their jaws open, allowing the cool air to pass over the skin of their mouth.
Lone Pine is home to freshwater crocodiles, which are smaller than their saltwater relatives. They are recognised by their long, narrow snout. Although generally inactive during the day, freshwater crocodiles are ambush predators by night, feeding on insects, fish, frogs, lizards and birds.
Despite appearances, turtles and birds are more closely related to crocodiles than lizards.