Fig 1


Fig 2


Fig 3


Fig 4

 

Family : CROCODYLIDAE
Species : Crocodylus porosus
Size (total length) : Up to 9 metres

This is the largest crocodilian, inhabiting river estuaries and coastal regions including mangroves and remote beaches.

The species was decimated by hunting for the leather trade, and is now so uncommon in most of Asia that it is bred in crocodile farms for its hide. Though reaching up to 9 metres in length, such huge sizes are rarely seen except in parts of Australia where it receives protection from exploitation.

It feeds on various vertebrates including fish, waterbirds and various mammals, and will also eat carrion. The eggs are laid in a nest made of vegetation, which is protected by the female until the eggs hatch.

The species ranges from India and throughout Southeast Asia to New Guinea, Australia and the Pacific.

Fig 1 : A pale-coloured 2-metre specimen in freshwater riverine habitat at Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo.

Fig 2 : A specimen of around 4 metres lies partly hidden amongst mangrove rootlets at Sungei Buloh, Singapore.

Fig 3 : A 3-metre specimen in mangrove habitat at Sungei Buloh, Singapore.

Fig 4 : Close-up of a specimen of around 2.5 metres at Sungei Buloh, Singapore.


References :

Cox, van Dijk, Nabhitabhata, Thirakhupt, 1998. A photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand. New Holland.