Common Name: Freshwater Crocodile, Johnstone’s Crocodile, Freshie
Scientific Name: Crocodylus johnstoni
Family: Crocodylidae – Crocodile Family
Location: Australia
Female Size: 6.9 feet (2.1 m)
Male Size: 7.5 – 9.8 feet (2.3 – 3.0 m)
The Freshwater Crocodile or just Freshie as they call it in Australia, is a smaller crocodile found in northern Australia. As the name suggests, they live in fresh water environments but also brackish waters! They tend to avoid coastal areas where the Saltwater Crocodile lives, due to them being a nice lil snack for the Saltie. They live in streams, creeks, lagoons, and swamps.
In the winter months, the crocs may spent their time in shelters dug into the side of the banks. They can dig up to 6 feet down. Usually these are the crocs that live in not permanent water bodies.
The female crocodiles lay their eggs in the dry season (generally August) and hatch at the start of the wet season, November / December. The female croc doesn’t sit and incubate the nest. Once the eggs are ready to hatch, the small crocs start to make chirp inside the eggs to let the adults that they need help getting out.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Freshwater Crocodile as Least Concern for Extinction. They have a large range, covering most of northern Australia, and a large population.