Snapping Up All The Attention

Crocodiles are often considered the closest living relatives of dinosaurs. Despite this ancient lineage, they are remarkably complex creatures that survived the mass extinction event that ended the Cretaceous period around 66 million years ago. Today, many crocodiles inhabit Australia’s waterways, including the Proserpine River.

As cold-blooded reptiles, crocodiles rely on their environment to regulate their body temperature. Without an internal thermostat, they seek habitats with consistently warm water and air temperatures year-round.

Though often misunderstood, crocodiles play a vital role in wetland ecosystems. As apex predators, they help maintain the delicate balance of freshwater and estuarine environments by controlling prey populations. However, they are not just hunters—they also serve as prey in their early years, falling victim to feral pigs, goannas, turtles, barramundi, sea eagles, and even larger crocodiles.

By occupying both predator and prey roles, crocodiles contribute significantly to the health of wetland ecosystems. A thriving crocodile population is often a strong indicator of a healthy wetland—and when wetlands are in good condition, local fisheries benefit as well.

Fast Fact: Saltwater crocodiles have about 66 teeth that get replaced every 2-3 years and can go through over 3000 teeth in a lifetime!

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