There's one thing that stands out about the Australia Zoo: the involvement of the Irwin family . The salty is the largest reptile in the world with adult males growing up to 6m in length and weighing 1,000 to 1,200kg. We wrestle the saltwater crocodile facts from the fiction, including how to stay safe in croc country. The Guinness World Records first recognized this crocodile in 2012 as the largest crocodile living in a zoo. Born to Wildlife Warriors Steve and Terri Irwin, Bindi is a determined soul, destined to make a positive difference on the planet. At this size, they are capable of eating wild pigs, deer, kangaroos and even cattle or wild buffalo! She covers the nest with leaves and other vegetation. A key argument against this approach, argues Adam who, with his wife, biologist Erin, created an online database of saltwater crocodile attacks, called CrocBITE is the fact the Territory has fewer attacks than nearby countries in south-east Asia, despite having healthier crocodile populations: a fact he puts down to better management practices. At the end of the day, this finely honed predator has been around a lot longer than us and our connection to crocs runs a lot deeper than fear alone, from cultural connections, to their contribution to local livelihoods and attracting tourists, and their vital role in the ecosystem. There are so many ways to fall in love with our gorgeous animals! Bedtime for some of our animals is 4:30pm. I was getting a croc out of a trap, when he did something different, which Ive never experienced. Being one of the deadliest animals in the country and the largest living crocodilian in the world, it isn't hard to see why this scaly . "custEvent": "FYASignUp", He is the world's largest saltwater crocodile, standing at over 40 feet in length. 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia. The eggs are . Web Visit website. We'll take a look back at some jaw popping moments of Acco over his years here at Australia Zoo. For one, the Chinese alligator is critically endangered, and the estimate is that there are only about 150 of them in the wild. This crocodile is one of the two species that belong to the genus Mecistops. Protected since 1970, saltwater crocodiles have come back with a vengeance the total Australian population is currently estimated to be around 100,000 in the NT alone and probably more than 150,000 Australia-wide. The Lodge is surrounded by a multi-species habitat that is home to red kangaroos, emus and koalas. It is one of the five species found in Africa, but it is widely distributed in the west. Youll find them in north Queensland, across the Northern Territory and into Broome in Western Australia. Saltwater Crocodile lying in wait Adults feed mostly at night on fish, crabs, turtles, snakes, and small mammals. It is a common species in Central Africa. It is native to the Amazon and Orinoco Basins, and it is the second smallest of all alligator species. But just how big are crocodiles in Australia? Thrill-seekers will love the top end of Australia for its (very safe) up-close encounters with some of our more non-cuddly wildlife. Black Caiman ( Melanosuchus niger) The black caiman is another enormous crocodile, along with the American crocodile growing up to 20 feet in length. His Crocodile Management Unit responds to 24-hour call-outs for crocodile sightings, in particular problem crocodiles or crocs getting too friendly, and for reported attacks. Your email has been successfully verified, please click the button below to continue to log in. All rights reserved. There are only two species left in the Gavialidae family, a few for the alligators and caimans, and several for the true crocodile, or Crocodylidae. It also eats snails. Are you ready to support Wildlife Warriors conservation projects worldwide? Well get you up close and personal with Australia Zoo Life!#AustraliaZooLife There may be larger crocodiles in the wild, though. Apart from its great size, distinguishing features of the . Located an hour north of Brisbane on QueenslandsSunshine Coast, Australia Zoo has a team of passionate conservationists working around-the-clock to deliver animal experiences like no other. Toms unit also has 26 permanent traps located in areas of recreational and commercial use in Darwin, which are checked and rebaited every week, with crocodiles captured live and taken to a local crocodile farm. Hes in captivity on Green Island, near Cairns in Queensland. The snout has the power to rip through dense vegetation, making it a suitable predator in such environments. Both are thought to be over six metres long, but neither has ever been caught or measured. If you have found this site helpful, please book TOURS and ACCOMMODATION through our booking partners. Australias capital city, Canberra is home to the National Zoo and Aquarium, where youll find many of Australias must-see native animals like emus, dingoes, koalas and wallabies. Both of Irwin's kids, Bindi, 23, and Robert, 18, added their own touches to the property. Its relative is the previous crocodile in this list. "profileUpdate": { Being saltwater tolerant, they dine on fish, birds, bats, reptiles, and mammals. However, it is critically endangered and is already extinct in some areas where it was supposed to live. Looking for a more immersive experience? The Philippine crocodile is sometimes referred to as the Mindoro crocodile. Cassius' length from nose to tail is 18 feet, and he weighs a little over 2,200 pounds. And to lay your eyes on our biggest land mammal, the red kangaroo, youll want to stop by the wildly popularKangaroo Sanctuary. He is accurately measured at 15 feet 3 inches. Australia Zoo is a great environment for our animals it provides, not only, a haven for our collection of over one hundred different species including Steves favourites the crocodile, tiger and cheetah, but is also a great platform for those same animals to act as ambassadors for their cousins in the wild. There are fossils of extinct species of the Tomistoma, but nearly half of them are distinct from the false gharial. Alligators are different from crocodiles in the sense that they have U-shaped snouts. Black-Necked Stork 8. From seeing them in homes replicating their natural habitat to meeting them one-on-one, we have an epic experience for everyone! "startScreen": "aus-link-account" Take a tour of Australia Zoo with Steve Irwin.Connect with us:https://www.facebook.com/AustraliaZoohttps://twitter.com/AustraliaZoohttps://www.instagram.com/. Some could grow up to 6.2 feet, and this is by far the biggest recorded of its kind. If youre heading further north to Cradle Mountain, drop in to Devils@Cradle to learn about their vital conservation work. A medium crocodile, this one is present in many regions in Asia. Adult Saltwater crocodiles will eat almost anything they can catch including fish, kangaroos, crabs, reptiles and birds. If your journey takes you south of Perth to the wine and beach region of Margaret River, check out the Eagles Heritage Raptor Wildlife Centre for the largest display of eagles, hawks, and owls in Australia. Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary Twilight Tour, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory Visit Canberra. }, One of the best zoos and wildlife parks in Queensland, Steve's family continue to care for the animals here, from Tasmanian Devils to Sumatran Tigers. Unlike the real gharial, its snout broadens at the base. It was a routine capture, he recalls. It was hunted for its skin throughout its range up to the 1970s and is threatened by illegal killing and habitat loss. Saltwater crocodile eggs vary in size. How Does Soulcycle Waitlist Work, Double Factor Violet Green Cheek Conure, Ruffle Top One Piece Swimsuit, Wellfleet Police Scanner, Avon Basketball Roster, Florida Spring Break Pictures 2021, Curse Of . But what about Krys the Crocodile, who is immortalised in a life-sized statue in Normanton, Queensland? Some [myths] have been repeated so often that nobody asks why anymore, Adam says. "screenSet": "Aus-V3-RegistrationLogin", There are three major sub-families of crocodiles. It has bony bases under its scales, which gives it an extra layer of protection. Length: 17.9 feet. Animals at Australia Zoo Alligator - American Anaconda - Green Binturong Boa - Constrictor Brolga Cassowary Cheetah Cockatoo - Sulphur-crested Cormorant - Great Cormorant - Little Pied Crocodile - Freshwater Crocodile - Saltwater Curlew - Bush Stone Dingo Dove - Bar-shouldered Dove - Emerald Dove - Peaceful Dove - Rose-crowned Fruit Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. The following is a list of episodes for The Crocodile Hunter. Crocodilian Species Range. This monster croc was captured in the Philippines, weighing 1,075kg and measuring 6.17m. Alongside The Crocodile Hunter, Steve starred in many other documentaries and films. By building this luxury accommodation with lush bushland around for our animals, we are achieving Dads vision of a world where humans and wildlife can peacefully coexist, making this planet a better and more harmonious place for future generations.. Tripathi said that the zoo management has already made requests to the Nandankanan Zoo in Odisha and Solapur Zoo in Maharashtra for acquiring five gharials and five crocodiles that will be housed in this new enclosure. Like most crocodiles, he spent much of his time dozing in his large pool. There are some scientists that say it is the same as the Siamese crocodile, and some also say that it is a kind of saltwater crocodile. He also claimed that crocodiles dont possess an anus, and that they have to regurgitate their food and believe it or not Ive heard a few people ask whether this is true even today., Source:Parks and Wildlife Commission of the NT. An average night at the zoo runs anywhere between $800 to $1,000 for a two-bedroom cabin. 18 km/h. Saltwater crocs, or salties, are also perfectly evolved predators. These findings have contributed significantly to the knowledge base of crocodilians, with a large focus of the project also being to educate those that share the crocodiles habitat. The mugger crocodile is a young species, having evolved only 4 million years ago. Here you'll be able to enjoy crocodiles, dingoes, kangaroos, koalas, cassowaries, meerkats, otters, and others. The Gharial is the most unique of the crocs. Crocodiles have powerful jaws with many conical teeth and short legs with clawed webbed toes. Make miniature mechanised minions with teeny tiny tools! In Alice Springs, visit Alice Springs Desert Park to learn about the connections between local Aboriginal communities and the animals. Armadillos Bats Binturongs Bears Belugas Bongos Bonobos Camels Cats Donkeys Duikers Eagles & Hawks Echidnas Elephants Fennec Foxes Ferrets, Fishers & Polecats Fish & Eels Fishing Cats Flamingos Fossa Foxes Galagos Gazelles Gerenuks Giant Eland Gibbons Giraffes Goats Gorillas Gundis Hedgehogs Hellbenders Hippos Honey Badgers Hornbills Horses Insects Location: Queensland, Australia. Other roles include enforcement, when people fail to abide no-go areas, and providing occupational health and safety risk assessments and assistance in situations when workers are required to dive in known crocodile habitats. It is the smallest living species of crocodile. (Source: Adam Britton / Big Gecko). Closer to Brisbane, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is home to koalas, echidnas and other Aussie critters, and can be accessed by road or the Mirimar river cruise. Theres a misconception that saltwater crocodiles arent found in freshwater areas, but this is quite wrong and could be a fatal mistake.. Kate Berry/Australia Zoo/Courtesy of Crocodile Hunter Lodge. }, { As a family, we could not be more excited for the opening of the Crocodile Hunter Lodge, Steves daughter, Bindi said. There is plenty to do at Australia Zoo. Our zoos give you the chance to see animals safely and much closer than in the wild, with most Australian zoos offering wildlife encounters and in-depth tours to make your visit extra special. In 1998, he worked alongside director Mark Strickson to create The Ten Deadliest Snakes in the World. Just an hour from Brisbane and spread out over 1000 forested hectares at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast, Australia Zoo is the animal kingdom when it comes to the biggest and the best in the world. Her father drove heavy-haul trucks and would often bring home wildlife that had been injured on the road. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Males are typically bigger than females. The Chinese alligator is either dark grey or black, and its body is also fully-armored. Length. The department says it has killed 12 crocodiles over the past two years, all on "ethical grounds". Further afield, escape the city for a day of animal encounters in the sprawling reserves and sanctuaries just outside of Melbourne. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gold Coast, Queensland Tourism Queensland. It is a medium-sized species, and it only lives in fresh water in the Atlantic regions in areas close to Mexico. In the town of Exmouth, drop in to the Ningaloo Discovery Centre and Aquarium before you hit the reefs marine park where you can swim with extraordinary marine life including whale sharks, rays and turtles. Don't miss all of the tail-walking, death-rolling and jaw-snapping action in Australia Zoo's world-famous Crocoseum. But it also grants you unlimited access to the zoo, a sneak peek of the wildlife hospital, a gift pack, and breakfast is included for each guest. Some call it the fish-eating crocodile, and it is a long species of crocodile. Embossed with Australian Animals, these premium notebooks are perfect for Back To School. We proudly acknowledge the Gubbi Gubbi people, their Country, spirit and traditions as customary owners of the lands upon which Australia Zoo stands. Its color ranges from greenish to yellowish-grey. Stephen Robert Irwin was born on February 22, 1962, in Upper Ferntree Gully, Victoria. Steve always had a dream that one day, people would not just visit Australia Zoo, but stay overnight, and have the immersive experience of listening to and being around wildlife after dark, Steves wife, Terri Irwin said in a statement. Monarto Safari Park, Monarto, South Australia Tourism Australia. The number of crocodiles in Australia is estimated to be between 100,000 and 200,000. The crocodile can be found in Africa, Southeast Asia and Northern Australia. The black caiman is a large one, and it is one of the largest alligators in existence. Adult males generally grow to between 3.5m and 6m long, with most in the 4m to 5m zone. In the areas not protected by law, it faces extinction due to the destruction of its natural habitat. The notorious Sweetheart, who kept attacking fishing boats, was 5.1m long. Back in the 1970s, it was a cause of concern as people killed it. Australia's only crocodile dive Immerse yourself in the environment of Australia's most mesmerizing apex predator, the saltwater crocodile. Some of them are even interbreeding with the Cuban crocodile. Young black caimans have white or yellow banding. The gharial has a long and thin snout, which is perfect for hunting fish. However, fragmented populations remain throughout southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. 2023 Australia Zoo. How big are crocodiles in Australia? All rights reserved. For example, theres a common misconception that crocodiles wont bite if their head is submerged, because their mouths would fill with water. the Wildlife Warriors Show is located within the Crocoseum & the list is in order of how the species were presented 1. However, it is not white. It has a ridge between its eyes, which looks like a spectacle. This world-renowned research involves: Are you ready to support Wildlife Warriors conservation projects worldwide? Its head is similar in appearance to the spectacled caiman, but it has no spectacle or bony ridge between its eyes. Episodes [ edit] Money that Steve and his wife Terri raised from The Crocodile Hunter transformed the park into the pristine, 40 hectare (100 acre) wildlife conservation center it is today. However, in Queensland they are still considered vulnerable, so they are in need of our help! The Cuban crocodile is a medium croc species, and it has recently raised alarms in the zoologic community. These perfectly evolved predators are a direct link to our prehistoric past. 40-70 yrs. Find the best Aussie accommodation deals before you set off. The Lodge comes with eight family-friendly cabins and an accessibility cabin. The snare requires a self locking mechanism to secure the jaw effectively and is . Spanning 700 acres, Irwins Australia Zoo first opened back in 1970 by Steves parents, Bob and Lyn Irwin, under the name Beerwah Reptile and Fauna Park. Crikey! Every year, joined with Australia Zoo's experienced reptile team, they embark on a one-month research trip deep into croc territory. NT Government educational video with song encouraging people to Be Crocwise in and around waterways. The zoo is over 1,000 square acres and sees over 700k tourists per year. It was often confused with the Cuban and American crocodiles at that time. The other name for this species is the Mexican crocodile. The first time people knew about it was in 1850. They essentially use their throats to pump air in and out of the nostrils to have a quick sniff; its called a gular pump, explains Adam. It features over 1,200 types of animals that guest can interact with. The Crocodile Lodge costs around $900 per night for a two-bedroom cabin. There are two different species of crocodiles in Australia: the freshwater or Johnson and the saltwater (salty) or estuarine crocodile. 1,000 kg. Well, for a start, there are two types. Our conservation projects are helping to protect species from tigers in Sumatra and cheetah in Africa, to saltwater crocodiles and koalas in Australia. Males mature at around 3.3 metres. Crocodiles have been around for 200 million years and are a descendant from the dinosaur age. Shoot the lot of them, some people suggested to me when I first arrived in Darwin, says Adam Britton, a zoologist and expert in crocodile biology, behaviour and conservation at Charles Darwin University. And with that rise in numbers has come increased fear. Robert Irwin has had a close call with a cranky croc while filming his family's television show. I regard crocs like humans, he says. Get incredible stories of extraordinary wildlife, enlightening discoveries and stunning destinations, delivered to your inbox. Bedtime for some of our animals is 4:30pm. The ranges of specific crocodilian species, as well as their population densities, are represented in this map from National Geographic. Egg collectors can now earn $20-$30 an egg or about $1,000 a nest after bringing them from the wild to crocodile farms, with a Territory-wide harvest limit set at 120,000 eggs a year. Lolong was caught in the southern Philippines and was over 20 feet and three inches . As such, it shares similarities with the true crocodiles. The snare should be designed so as to restrain the top jaw of the crocodile and must be adequately tethered to prevent the animals escape. It is a nocturnal hunter during summer, and it is an opportunistic feeder. Scientific Name: Crocodylus porosus Conservation Status: Least Concern Known as a 'salty' in Australia, the saltwater isn't just the biggest crocodile in the country, it's the biggest crocodile in the world.In fact, it's the world's biggest living reptile.This fearsome animal can reach lengths of well over 6 m (19.7 ft.). Honest tourism information about Australia. Despite being endangered, it is a crocodile that is not studied much. Experience the ultimate face-to-face encounter as you are carefully lowered in to the water with a large saltwater crocodile for 15 minutes. The freshwater crocodile is smaller and much less dangerous. If anyone has a healthy respect for what saltwater crocodiles are capable of, its Tom Nichols, Senior Wildlife Ranger at the NT Parks and Wildlife Commissions Crocodile Management Unit in Darwin. Adult males generally grow to between 3.5m and 6m long, with most in the 4m to 5m zone. Rocky was originally from Rockhampton in Northern Australia. Saltwater Crocodile - Australia Zoo Open Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm Bedtime for some of our animals is 4:30pm. It is dangerous to humans. Yellow-Tailed Black-Cockatoo, Blue-and-Yellow Macaw 2. Animals Crocodiles, Alligators and Caimans Other Animals Saltwater Crocodile Scientific Name: Crocodylus porosus Common Names: Saltwater Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile Maximum adult length: 6 metres (19.6 feet) N.B. Robert Clarence Irwin was born on December 1, 2003 and the abundance of energy he brings to Australia Zoo is contagious! By subscribing you become an AG Society member, helping us to raise funds for conservation and adventure projects. West African Slender-Snouted Crocodile, Types of Crocodiles in Family Gavialidae (In Alphabetical Order), Plant & Animal Classification Guide (Biological Taxonomy), Red Dragonfly Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (9 Omens), Dead Possum Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (9 Omens), Green Grasshopper Spiritual Meaning and Symbolism (8 Omens), Wetlands (inland), intertidal marine, and coastal marine, Northern South America and Central America, Forest, savanna, shrubland, grassland, and inland wetlands, Northern South America, Central America, Greater Antilles, Forest, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine, coastal brackish waters, swamps, mangroves, and mudflats along river deltas, Inland wetlands, neritic marine, intertidal marine, and coastal marine, South and Southeast Asia, northern Australia and Oceania, coastal brackish mangrove swamps and river deltas, Forest, savanna, inland wetlands, neritic marine, and coastal marine, s tropical regions of Sub-Saharan West Africa and Central Africa. Its diet varies, but it does eat crabs, fish, and mammals. An adult can only reach 4.9 feet. These days, you can even eat breakfast while watching cute koalas! King Cheetah Kyan with her cubs. Today, there are only two crocodile species living in Australia: the Australian freshwater crocodile and the Indo-Pacific crocodile (also known as the estuarine or saltwater crocodile). (Source: Adam Britton / Big Gecko), Adam drives home the point: The best approach is to assume any body of water in crocodile habitat contains a saltwater crocodile, he says and that includes freshwater. The false gharial, also called Tomistoma, also goes by the name Malayan gharial. Outside of the city, check out the Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, which offers overnight stays in permanent tents and stylish cabins. Hatchlings and young crocodiles eat small fish, snails, crustaceans, and insects. With a five metre big beast, it has a larger territory, meaning other crocs dont come near. Irwin died on Sept. 4, 2006, after being pierced in the chest by a short-tail stingray barb while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. Everything about their biology, physiology and behaviour is finely honed to maximise their chances of survival, and I want to know how they do it. The Crocodile Hunter is a wildlife documentary television series that was hosted by Steve Irwin and his wife, Terri.The series became popular due to Irwin's unconventional method and hands-on approach to nature. Today, Steve's family, Terri, Bindi and Robert Irwin continue his work. It's here, at the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, they tag and track the abundance of crocodiles in the . There are only two species left in the Gavialidae family, a few for the alligators and caimans, and several for the true crocodile, or Crocodylidae. "startScreen": "aus-link-account" The Croc At Australia Zoo Is A Real-life Lolong! Black-Headed Python 4. You may even get the chance to meet an orphan joey during your visit. These are bigger than the Chinese alligators, as they can grow up to eight feet. The Adelaide River in the Top End of the Northern Territory has two contenders Brutus and Dominator. Female saltwater crocodiles are smaller in size around the three metre mark. This gives Australia Zoo the ability to educate the world about animal conservation and to increase the chances of protecting all wildlife. These bandings do not disappear as they mature but only gets darker. The crocodile that attacked the man and his dog in northern Queensland last month was also shot dead. The two-hour pilot episode, filmed in 1992, premiered on American cable television network, Discovery Channel in October 1996, followed by the official series premiere on Animal Planet . Source: abc.net.au. All rights reserved. Stuart is the editor of Fauna Facts. He jumped with the snout rope attached and grabbed hold of my hand. He was 44. Australia Zoo contains a wide range of birds, mammals and reptiles. If you want to see animals from your pillow, stay at Jamala Wildlife Lodge, where youll be immersed in an incredible animal experience. It is a small species, and it lives close to a mountain ridge at the center of the island. Koala, Taronga Zoo, Sydney, New South Wales Destination NSW. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is the biggest reptile, and biggest crocodilian, on earth. The black caiman has dark coloration once it reaches maturity. Steve Irwin discovered his love of animals, and talent for handling them, at an early. Take a dive under the Indian Ocean waves, visiting the Aquarium of Western Australia, where kids will love the sharks and rays swimming overhead. Experts also believe this is way outside the feasible size range for a saltwater crocodile. Unlike its American cousin, it is smaller, growing only to seven feet and weighing up to 100 pounds. The American alligator is what people often refer to when they say alligator. It is endemic to the United States, and they are hunted down during the gator season. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. It is not a true gator, but it does belong to the same sub-family. Crikey! However, they will still become aggressive if they think a human is a threat. This caiman is small, and the average size of a large male is only 4.6 feet. Are you ready to support Wildlife Warriors conservation projects worldwide? These are Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. }, When you visit Australia Zoo, you are making a difference to the conservation of wildlife. All content copyright David Whitley. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. However, in Queensland they are still considered vulnerable, so they are in need of our. The largest crocodiles in Australia are up to 5.5m long and weigh around 800kg. Australia Zoo. Its name came from the researcher who performed the initial studies to determine its distinction from other crocodiles. Not your cup of tea? 0:00 / 5:12 Robert's Croc Profiles - Acco | Australia Zoo Life Australia Zoo 492K subscribers 85K views 8 months ago #AustraliaZooLife It's time for Robert to jump in with our largest. "homePagePath": "/content/australia/en.html", Are you ready to support Wildlife Warriors conservation projects worldwide? Some People call it the Yangtze alligator or China alligator. During the summer, it burrows in the ground, and it brumates in the winter. }, As one of the largest crocodiles of all species, the American crocodile is the most widespread of its kind. Rather than indicating an upward trend, 2014 was an anomolous spike, says Adam (there were zero fatalities in 2015). It is the most terrestrial of all living crocodile species, meaning it spends most of its time on land. Featherdale Wildlife Parkand Symbio Wildlife Park offer incredible encounters, and for more of our prolific marine life, visit SEA LIFE SydneyAquarium, where youll get to safely see plenty of Australian sea creatures, from seahorses to dugongs. Large predators have been heavily persecuted and removed from areas where they once lived because of conflict with livestock graziers. They live in wetland areas, such as lakes and freshwater rivers. (Source: Adam Britton / Big Gecko). When hunting prey, they lie in wait, partially submerged or completely underwater able to hold their breath for up to an hour by reducing their heart rate to just 2-3 beats per minute. 13. What is the biggest national park in Australia? Through ongoing studies on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, we have discovered that saltwater crocodiles can hold their breath for up to eight hours. Home to the Great Barrier Reef and the world's oldest tropical rainforest, the Cairns region offers the unique chance to interact with incredibly diverse marine life and ancient, tropical creatures that seem more at home in the Mesozoic Era. Youll see weird and wonderful desert creatures, like the bilby with its long ears, and our quirkiest lizard, the thorny devil. Its population declined because of habitat loss. Read on to learn about the saltwater crocodile. People can get away with doing silly things around crocs for years, and thats a real problem, because one day their luck is going to run out, he says. Home Topics Wildlife Welcome to croc country: telling fact from fiction. The two species with the most well-known and documented reputation for preying on humans are the Nile crocodile and saltwater crocodile, and these are the perpetrators of the vast majority of both fatal and non-fatal crocodilian attacks. Hartley's Creek Crocodile Adventures, Wangetti, QLD Tourism Australia. These incredible animals have been on the planet, unchanged, for over 65 million years. The series became popular due to Irwin's unconventional methods and hands-on approach to nature.