Living With Crocodiles

It is time to shed some light on one of Queensland’s most misunderstood residents, the crocodile.

Like most dangerous animals, much of the fear surrounding crocs comes from knowledge gaps and misinformation. A little information goes a long way to understanding the vital role they play in Queensland’s ecosystem.

Crocodiles are a fact of life in Australia, from Gladstone in Queensland, across the top and down to in Broome in Western Australia. We have plenty of them right here in the Whitsundays. In fact, the Proserpine River has the highest density of crocodiles in Queensland, approximately 5.5 crocs per km of river.

When people talk about Queensland’s croc population, odds are they are referring to the estuarine crocodile (also known as the saltwater crocodile). However, our state also has freshwater crocodiles or “freshies” can also be found in Queensland’s temperate northern waters.

The estuarine crocodile population in Queensland is estimated to be between 20,000–30,000.

They are primarily found on or near the banks of a river, with 90% of the population existing in areas less than 20m above sea level, in tidal reaches of rivers and associated inlets and wetlands, along beaches and offshore islands in the Great Barrier Reef as well as freshwater lagoons, rivers, and swamps up to hundreds of km inland from the coast.

Estuarine crocodiles are capable of long-distance movements, up to several hundred km, along the coast and up and down rivers. As a result, there is a possibility that crocodiles may be present in any water body (saltwater and freshwater) north from Gladstone.

An adult estuarine crocodile, which can reach lengths of over 5m, may prey on sea turtles, goannas, wallabies, cats, pigs, dogs, kangaroos, cattle, horses, buffalo, other crocodiles, and very occasionally, people.

Estuarine crocodiles are water’s edge predators that will ambush anything that moves at or near the water’s surface. They have very good eyesight, and a well-developed sense of smell which sometimes leads them long distances in search of prey.

Crocodiles are apex predators in their environments, playing a crucial role in regulating populations of fish, birds, and other animals. By regulating prey populations, crocodiles help prevent overgrazing and maintain the health and stability of their wetland and marine ecosystems.

Crocodiles create habitats for other animals through their burrowing and nest-building activities.

Crocodiles hold deep cultural significance for many First Nations groups across northern Australia, including Queensland.

Estuarine crocodiles were hunted to near extinction but are now protected under Queensland law due to their vulnerable status. The Queensland Government has implemented management plans to balance public safety with crocodile conservation. These plans involve monitoring crocodile populations, conducting research, and promoting "Crocwise" behaviours to minimize human-crocodile conflict.

Crocodile attacks are few and far between and can be largely attributed to reckless human behaviour rather than crocodile numbers. Culling only removes a protected and culturally significant species without addressing the root causes of these incidents, such as human actions and lack of community awareness. Culling can also lead to a false sense of safety in and around waterways in Croc Country, while the risk of crocodile attacks would remain.

Being Crocwise is the most effective way to reduce your risk of a crocodile attack and allows you to enjoy Queensland’s natural places safely. It means staying aware and choosing safe behaviours around the water in areas where there is crocodile habitat. For details, visit Be Crocwise | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government

Contributed with thanks to Whitsunday Conservation Council.

‍

Croc lurking in the water. Photo supplied.

‍