Adult Saltwater Crocodile
The saltwater
crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), also known as saltie, estuarine or Indo-Pacific crocodile, is the largest of all living reptiles, as well as the largest terrestrial and riparian predator in the world. The males of this species can reach sizes of up to 7 m (23 ft) and weigh as much as 2,000 kg (4,400 lb). However, an adult male saltwater crocodile is generally between 4.3 and 5.2 m (14 and 17 ft) in length and weighs 400–1,000 kg (880–2,200 lb), rarely growing larger.
Females are much smaller and often do not surpass 3 m (9.8 ft). As its name implies, this crocodile can live in salt water, but usually resides in mangrove swamps, estuaries, deltas, lagoons, and lower stretches of rivers. They have the broadest distribution of any modern crocodile, ranging from the eastern coast of India, throughout most of Southeast Asia, stretching south to northern Australia, and historically ranging as far west as off the eastern coast of Africa and as far east as waters off the coast of Japan.
Saltwater crocodiles are more territorial than other crocodilians, and are less tolerant of their own kind. Most crocodiles are social animals, sharing basking spots and food. Saltwater crocodiles do not fall into this category however, especially in the case of adult males of the species.
They are extremely territorial and will fight off any intruders. The adult male will share his territory with a female. Saltwater crocodiles mate in the wet season, laying eggs in a nest made into a mound of mud and vegetation. The female guards the nest and hatchlings from predators. Conservation efforts were successful in this species, and it has recovered since the 1970s. Today, they aren't endangered in many countries. However, some populations are still at risk.
The saltwater crocodile is one of the three
crocodilians found in India, the other two being the more widespread, smaller mugger crocodile and the narrow-snouted, fish-eating gharial.
Apart from the eastern coast of India, the saltwater crocodile is extremely rare in the Indian subcontinent. A huge population, consisting of many large adults, several over 6 m (20 ft), including a 7 m (23 ft) male, is present within the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary of Odisha and they are known to be present in smaller numbers throughout the Indian and Bangladesh portions of the Sundarbans.