Range: Northern Australia, found in Queensland

Habitat: Fresh water estuaries, can be found in creeks and lakes.  Tends to avoid salinity.

Size: 6-9 feet. Males tend to be larger by as much as 35% 

Status: The Freshwater Crocodile appears to be making a comeback from historically low numbers. As estimated wild population of 75-100 thousand animals appears to be expanding it's range to areas once expatriated.

Rain Forest Facts: Native Australians often refer to this animal as the "Freshie" 

Like it's distant relative the Gavial, the Freshwater Crocodile is highly adapted to eating primarily fish.  The thin, elongated snout of the Freshwater Crocodile does not prevent it from eating other vertebrates and invertebrates however these items probably make up a smaller percentage of the Crocodiles diet than in the majority of other Crocodilian species.   In very similar hunting techniques to the Gavial, the Freshwater Crocodile uses blinding speed to thrust it's head to either side and grab a fish. 

As with virtually all species of crocodilians the hatching of the eggs coincides with the coming of the seasonal rains.  Females will deposit a small number of eggs compared to most crocodilians, usually around 15 (clutch sizes have been noted as small as 5) in a sand nest excavated near the permanent source of water.  

The normal time from mating to egg laying is very similar in most crocodilians, approximately 45 days.  The incubation time varies slightly based on soil temperatures but averages about 70 days.   Females guard the nest against predators such as the local monitor lizards as well as introduced species such as cats and feral pigs.  On average it is estimated that 50% percent of all nests are destroyed by predators.  All female crocodilians show a remarkable maternal instinct compared to other reptile species, female Freshwater Crocodiles are no different.  A female Freshwater Crocodile will allow the juveniles to remain with her for an extended period of time for protection from predators.  In spite of protection from the adult female it is estimated that less than 5% of all eggs laid reach adulthood.  

 As with all crocodilians the actual incubation temperature will have an impact on determining the sex of the animal.