MorphologyAdult males can reach 6-7 m and weigh between 1,000-1,200 kg. Females are much smaller and do not generally exceed 3 m. The head is quite large and features a pair of ridges that run from the eyes along the center of the snout. The scales are oval and the scutes (bony plates) are small compared to other species. Young saltwater crocodiles are pale yellow with black stripes and spots found on the body and tail. Adults are darker with light tan to gray areas. The ventral surface is white or yellow in color, and stripes are present on the lower sides of the body but do not extend to the belly. The tail is gray with dark bands. The saltwater crocodile has a heavy set jaw with between 64-68 teeth.
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Importance - Ecological and Economical
The saltwater crocodiles are the largest crocodilians in existence. Additionally, they are highly opportunistic and territorial predators compared to other crocodilians (such as the American alligator and other smaller species of crocodiles and caimans). They have a strong tendency to treat humans in their territory as prey, and have a long history of attacking humans who stray into their territory. In distinct contrast to the American policy of encouraging a certain degree of habitat coexistence with alligators, the only recommended policy for dealing with saltwater crocodiles is to avoid their territory whenever possible as they tend to be highly aggressive when encroached upon. As well as being hunted for its meat and eggs, the saltwater crocodile has the most commercially valuable skin of any crocodilian, and unregulated hunting during the 20th century caused a dramatic decline in the species throughout its range, with the population in northern Australia reduced by around 95% by 1971. Illegal hunting still persists in some areas, with protection in some countries ineffective, and trade often difficult to monitor and control over such a vast range.
Interesting Facts
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