My first such close acquaintance with cold-blooded animals happened in Thailand, in tourist city Pattaya. It was in this city that I visited the crocodile farm. In addition to getting to know the animals, I also went to their show program. It turns out "toothy" trainable and can carry out a wide variety of commands from their trainers.

Where do crocodiles live

If speak about Thailand, then representatives of aquatic fauna can be found on wetlands of rivers and lakes on the mainland. Average age local reptiles are 100 years old. As for their size, they grow throughout life. Imagine every year after floods, hundreds of crocodiles are thrown out of their usual habitats. After that, the "critters" go on a "free" swimming. Therefore, after the floods, know that crocodiles can be found anywhere. But it’s not at all necessary to go to swampy rivers to get acquainted with crocodiles, but all because crocodiles can be seen on special farms. Crocodile farm in Pattaya is located within the city. I went to the farm on an excursion program, which, by the way, was free. The territory where crocodiles live is more like a park where, in addition to crocodiles, you can see beautiful garden trees, ancient stones of incredible beauty, pools with fish and even enclosures with other animals. Crocodiles live in lakes surrounded by a metal enclosure. What crocodiles can be seen on the territory:

  • combed;
  • Siamese;
  • gavial.

By the way, the last species of reptiles does not pose a threat to humans. Also, it is in this country that it is forbidden to sell bags, wallets, key rings made of the skin of this crocodile ... Yes, I almost forgot, crocodiles on this farm, for a fee, can feed chicken. I recommend checking your reaction! The chicken is tied to a rope and you need to try to tease the "toothy". Make it so that he first, and maybe the second time, clicks his teeth before he has time to eat the chicken. Adrenaline, emotions just go wild!!!

Crocodile character

It turns out that crocodiles are very intelligent animals. They cannot be called a thoughtless colossus, in whose head is the goal - to kill and eat. Main character traits:

  • malleable;
  • communicable;
  • emotional;
  • extrovert.

Besides, crocodilesknow how to trust. Naturally, not to everyone passing by, but for example, to his trainer. A person who loves an animal and treats it with respect.


What irritates the psyche of crocodiles

Reptiles appear to do not tolerate foreign odors. Therefore, before each entry into the room with crocodiles, the trainer must splash oneself with water. Otherwise, you can become lunch or dinner for the animal.

If you are interested in crocodiles and just dream of seeing them in wild nature then this article is for you. Here we will talk about the places where you can see these amazing reptiles in the wild.

Crocodiles in Australia

If you crave to see big crocodiles in the wild, then Australia is the right place to go. This continent is famous for the most big crocodiles of the living ones - combed (marine) crocodiles. Such a reptile reaches a length of more than 6 meters and weighs more than a ton.

If in many countries you can see crocodiles mainly in nature reserves and National parks, then in Australia these reptiles inhabited almost all the rivers of the northern coast of the country. Crocodiles are not only found in the wild, but they are often caught in densely populated areas. For example, in Fanny Bay, on the coast of which there are The largest city Northern Territories of Australia - Darwin.

On the territory of Australia there are National Parks and Reserves, and just crocodile parks, where combed crocodiles can be seen in wildlife. In some areas, special shows are organized for tourists with feeding these reptiles.

For thrill-seekers, the Cage of Death attraction is organized in the specially designed Crocosaurus Cove crocodile park in the center of Darwin. Those who want to tickle their nerves in a special glass cage (made of very durable glass) are immersed in a pool with huge crocodiles. Daredevils can watch these huge cannibals at arm's length.

For lovers of Africa, National Parks are cordially opening their doors Republic of South Africa. Those who wish to observe crocodiles in wildlife are recommended to go to national park Kruger and Mapungubwe National Park.

In South Africa, you can watch the Nile crocodiles. They are slightly smaller than their Australian brothers, but no less bloodthirsty. Large individuals can reach a length of more than 5 meters, and weigh up to a ton.

Here, of course, you will not be offered such conditions as in Australia, but you can watch reptiles while sailing along the river in a comfortable pleasure boat.

Crocodiles in Uganda

If South Africa is a Europeanized Africa, then in Uganda you can see a piece of untouched Africa.

Crocodiles can be seen here in National parks and reserves. To do this, you can visit the Queen Elizabeth National Park, Bwindi National Park and Lake Mburo National Park.

Crocodiles in Uganda can be observed during river and lake tours. There are a lot of reptiles here, so there will be no shortage of thrills.

Crocodiles in Thailand

If you want to not only look at crocodiles, but also taste them, then your path lies straight to Thailand. It is in this Asian country that a huge number of crocodile farms are located, where crocodiles are grown for their valuable skin and meat.

Do not think that there are still crocodiles in Thailand in wildlife, and there are even tours in some reserves where tourists can see these reptiles in wildlife.

But if you want to really see the show and try the crocodile "on the tooth", then you should definitely visit one of the crocodile farms. Experienced Thai trainers will show you an unforgettable show, and virtuoso chefs will prepare dishes with amazing taste.


Alligators in the USA

Alligators differ from real crocodiles in a calmer disposition, although they are often not inferior in size to their aggressive relatives. Common crocodiles are found in the US, but alligators dominate. If you want to see alligators, then you should visit the states of Florida and Louisiana.

For lovers of "very thrills" it is recommended to visit the Swamp of Ghosts in Louisiana. This place is located near New Orleans. The place itself is terrifying. According to legend, it was cursed by the black voodoo queen at the beginning of the 20th century. Since then, many settlements along the swamp have died out, and now only the ruins of houses stand. And in places where people once lived, huge alligators came.

During a tour of the park on an airboat, you can see hundreds of alligators. And then waiting for you bright show, during which an experienced host will tell and show what to do if you had to face an alligator or a crocodile in wildlife.

How much does it cost?

If you are going to see crocodiles in wildlife, you should understand that this pleasure is not cheap.

The most affordable option is Thailand. With a departure from Kiev or Moscow, such a tour can cost $1000-1200 per person.

It is followed by the USA. Such a trip can cost $1200-1500 per person. Although the cost of the flight is approximately the same, and maybe even less than to Thailand, the cost of living in the country will be more expensive.

Uganda and South Africa are next on the list. The cost of such a trip will be $2000-2500 per person.

And Australia will cost the most. Due to the remoteness of this country from Kiev or Moscow, air tickets will be quite expensive. The cost of such a trip will be $2500-3500 per person.

When is it worth going to see crocodiles?

You can visit Thailand almost any time of the year. The climate there is sable, and tourists are welcome all year round.

The same situation is in the USA. Although due to Atlantic hurricanes, it is not recommended to visit Florida and Louisiana in August-September.

It is better to go to Uganda in the middle of winter or summer. The country is located on the equator and has a fairly stable temperature climate. Spring and autumn are the rainy seasons.

You can travel to South Africa at any time of the year.

But it is better to go to Australia in May-September. The rest of the time there is intense heat, and there is a high probability of forest fires, or rainy seasons, when large areas are flooded and movement in the area is difficult.

Crocodile from the north of Australia

At the end of the 18th century, a certain person named Johnston informed the famous Australian scientist Gerard Krefft (a native of Germany) about the existence of interesting narrow-nosed crocodiles in the north of Australia. The naturalist was able to compile a scientific description of this species of reptiles, since in those years their population was numerous, and it was not difficult to catch a few individuals for research.
When J. Krefft in 1873 compiled a scientific description of a new species, he decided to give it a binomial name in honor of the same Johnston, but did spelling mistake when writing a family name, naming the species "johnsoni" instead of "johnstoni". For many years, the reptile was listed in scientific sources under this name, until, while studying the manuscripts of the scientist, the error indicated above was accidentally discovered.
The scientific world decided to leave the binomial name of the crocodile unchanged, but in some sources, however, this reptile is referred to as Crocodylus johnstoni.

Among the popular names of the crocodile, the most commonly used are the Australian narrow-nosed crocodile, the Australian freshwater crocodile, Johnston's crocodile. Australians often use colloquial speech the name of Freshy, or simply called him - a freshwater crocodile. Why freshwater? Yes, because the range of this reptile intersects with the range of the formidable combed crocodile, which is often called the saltwater crocodile for the development of the waters of sea and oceanic salinity.

The Australian narrow-nosed (freshwater) crocodile is endemic to the northern regions of Australia, and is found in the states of Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. It can be found in freshwater swamps, streams and slow-moving rivers. Salty and even brackish water this reptile avoids estuaries and the intertidal zone.

The narrow-nosed crocodile of Australia does not reach outstanding sizes - the maximum length of individual individuals is just over three meters (with a weight of up to 100 kg). Female record holders can grow a little over two meters in length and weigh about 40 kg. There is information about the capture of individual individuals up to 4 meters long, but they are not confirmed.

Information about the life expectancy of these reptiles in different sources is somewhat different.
IN Australian zoo lives narrow-nosed crocodile, whose age is estimated at almost 140 years. It is believed that this is the oldest crocodile in the world. The Australians affectionately call him "Mr. Freshy". Mr. Freshy has a rather colorful pedigree and life story. In childhood and youth, this reptile was considered a sacred animal, which was worshiped by the Aboriginal tribe on the Cape York Peninsula (Queensland, Northern Australia). This peninsula is peculiar and unique nature reserve, one of the last remaining undeveloped areas on Earth. The local population here consists mainly of Australian Aborigines.
Then poachers attempted on the life of Mr. Fresh, and he miraculously escaped, losing one eye due to a bullet wound. Nevertheless, he survived, and since 1970 he became a pet of the zoo, where he lives safely now.
It is believed that this crocodile was born in 1875. It is not known how reliably the age is determined (there are some doubts among scientists), however, such a longevity of the reptile is impressive.
According to other sources, Australian narrow-nosed (freshwater) crocodiles live up to 30 years in the wild.

The appearance of Freshy crocodiles is characterized by a very narrow muzzle, light brown body color and the presence of transverse dark stripes on the body and tail. The belly is colored lighter. Skin bone plates are relatively large, rounded. The teeth are sharp, awl-shaped, their number in the mouth of a crocodile is 68-72.
Like all narrow-nosed crocodiles, as well as the gharial, the Australian freshwater crocodile feeds mainly on fish. The narrow snout and sharp teeth make it easy to capture fish with lateral movements of the head. However, this predator can also eat other prey - various aquatic animals (amphibians, amphibians), birds, rodents. Even kangaroos have been found in the stomachs of these reptiles.
Prefers to hunt from ambush, long time motionless waiting for prey, hiding the body under water and exposing only the nostrils and eyes.
In the dry, cool season, these reptiles lose their activity and almost do not feed.

The Australian narrow-nosed crocodile reproduces by oviposition, while the eggs are laid not in the nest of a structure characteristic of other crocodiles (from plants and soil), but in burrows that are dug in the sand near the water. At the end of egg-laying, the entrance to the hole is covered with sand. Egg laying takes place from July to September, the incubation period is up to three months.
The female is not as zealous in guarding the clutch as most well-known representatives of this detachment of reptiles, however, she shows some kind of concern for the offspring - she helps the brood to get out of the nest-burrow and for some time protects the juveniles from enemies. Sometimes the male takes over this responsibility, but it happens that newborns begin life path without the help of parents.

For humans, this small crocodile is considered not dangerous, but there are a few cases when a crocodile has bitten people with its sharp teeth. Most often this happens when the reptile is "cornered", cutting off the path to retreat. Like all predators, in such cases, the Australian narrow-nosed crocodile can be aggressive.
Usually, this animal prefers to avoid meeting with a person, in contrast to the extremely dangerous combed (sea) crocodile.

The skin of freshwater crocodiles until the 70s of the last century was the subject of hunting by hunters and poachers, but then a ban was imposed on all kinds of catching of these reptiles. Currently, for the leather goods industry, crocodiles are grown on special farms.
Thanks to conservation measures, the population remains stable, but there is a decrease in the average size of individuals, which is caused (according to scientists) by the deterioration of living conditions (pollution and environmental disturbance). conservation status kind Crocodylus johnstoni- causing the least concern.

Titles: Australian narrow-nosed crocodile, Johnston's crocodile, freshwater crocodile, river crocodile Johnston (Australian freshwater crocodile).

Johnston's Australian crocodile - named after Johnson, the first European discoverer, who reported the discovery of a new species to the natural scientist Krefft. The latter is responsible for the misspelling of the researcher's name, which should have been rendered as "johnsoni". Currently, in scientific practice, both true and erroneous Latin names of the species are used.

area: Australian freshwater crocodiles are endemic to Australia. The range covers Northern Australia: they are found in the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia.

Description: In Australian freshwater crocodiles strong legs with clawed, webbed fingers. The tail is very powerful. The scales are large, on the sides and on the legs from the inside round in shape, densely located. The muzzle of a crocodile is unusually narrow and pointed in shape, bordered by a row of sharp teeth. This species catches fish easily, so this shape of the muzzle arose in the course of evolution as an adaptation to eating only fish. Total amount 68-72 teeth, including 5 premaxillary, 14-16 maxillary and 15 mandibular teeth. The fourth tooth on either side of the lower jaw is larger than the others and can be clearly seen even when the mouth is closed. The eyes have a transparent special eyelid (nictitating membrane) that protects them when the crocodile is under water.

Color: Coloration is light brown with dark stripes around the body and tail, the pattern of the stripes is broken on the neck. Some individuals clearly show light brown stripes and spots on the muzzle. Subspecies are unknown, although lighter and darker color phases have been established, as well as dwarf individuals living in an isolated population that reach sexual maturity at half the normal length. Freshwater crocodiles are darker in color than common crocodiles. Dwarf individuals reach a length of up to 1.5 m. The existence of dwarf individuals is explained by evolution in the course of natural selection, caused by the need to forage in upstream rivers where larger individuals cannot penetrate. genetic research dwarf race do not find exceptional changes that could serve as a basis for separating it into a separate subspecies.

Size: Australian freshwater crocodile - relatively little crocodile. The species is characterized by sexual dimorphism, which is expressed in the fact that males are somewhat larger than females. Males reach a maximum length of 2.4-3 m, and females - 2.3 m. In nature, the size of males rarely exceeds 2.5-3 meters in length. Females reach a size of 2-2.1 meters.

Weight: Males weigh up to 90 kg and females up to 45 kg.

Lifespan A: The maximum lifespan is about 50 years.

Habitat: Freshwater crocodile lives in a variety of freshwater bodies of water: swamps, lakes, lagoons and rivers (preferring their mouths, less common in the upper reaches of rivers and streams). It has never been found near the coast, in waters with high salinity and where it can meet with the more aggressive saltwater crocodile. It has been observed that if the population of the combed crocodile begins to decline, the population size freshwater crocodile increases, and then Johnston's crocodiles occupy the favorite habitats of their food competitor and appear near the coast. As the population of the combed crocodile recovers, the situation returns to its original position.

Enemies: Sandy (Varanus gouldi) and argus monitor lizards (Varanus panoptes) and wild pigs (Sus scrofa)- the most important predators that prey on the eggs of the Australian crocodile during the entire period of their incubation. Monitor lizards, thanks to their sensitive sense of smell, easily find crocodile nests in which eggs were laid even 24-48 hours ago. By the time crocodiles hatch, only a third of all nests usually remain untouched.
Hunting local residents does not bring great harm for a population of this species. Juveniles can be killed by adult reptiles when they are short of food. Crocodiles can also be eaten by black kites, and even large fish. Recently, young freshwater crocodiles have been directly threatened by the aggressive aga toad. (Bufo marinus).

Food: The diet of an adult freshwater crocodile consists mainly of fish. Some species of invertebrates and small vertebrates serve as an addition to the diet. Adult crocodiles prey on land animals, waiting for them at the water's edge. They also hunt underwater. During the dry season, due to a lack of food, crocodiles practically do not eat, but they can eat other, smaller individuals of crocodiles.

Behavior: Australian crocodiles are one of several species that can gallop on land, reaching speeds of up to 18 km/h. When hunting, these reptiles use the ambush method, followed by a quick capture of the prey by the head or across the body. They are not fussy, slowly sneaking up on their prey, leaving only their nostrils, eyes and ears above the water.
Most often, crocodiles dive in the morning hours (from 6 to 12 noon), but at night they are less active and mostly stay near the surface of the water. The duration of being under water decreases with increasing body temperature. The maximum duration of the dive was 119.6 minutes, but the largest share in the behavior of this species is jumping into the water for relatively short and shallow dives (lasting no longer than 45 minutes and to a depth of at least 40 cm).

social structure: Leads a solitary life.

reproduction: Female freshwater crocodile dig nests-burrows in the sand 10-15 m from the shore. Eggs are usually laid at night to a depth of 12-20 cm, four to six weeks after mating season. Females instinctively choose such a place for the nest so that during the rains the eggs are above the water and are not flooded. At the same time, too shallow laying depth increases the risk of overheating of the eggs. Once every few years, there are anomalous natural phenomena, when the rainy season starts quite early, which is why almost all nests die from flooding.
Studies have shown that all females of the same population lay their eggs quite amicably, usually within a three-week period. They can make clutches close to each other, and in some cases, females even dig out the eggs of their predecessor and lay their own in this place. The latter occurs when too many clutches are located in one place.
Before the birth of the cubs, the female digs out a nest, and after their birth, she carries the newborns in her mouth into the water. The female stays near the young and guards them for some more time.
All crocodiles swallow stones for better digestion, and only freshwater, not sea water, is used to quench their thirst.

Season/breeding period: The mating season and courtship are timed to coincide with the beginning of the dry season (May), and breeding and nest building continues until July-September.

Puberty: Females reach 11-14 years old, males - 16-17 years old, reaching a length of 1.5 m.

Incubation: Lasts 6-10 weeks (according to other sources - 75-85 days, depending on temperature).

Offspring: For normal incubation of eggs, a temperature of 30-33 "C is required. The clutch is usually 13 eggs (sometimes from 4 to 20). Temperature regime affects the percentage ratio of the birth of females and males: so at temperatures up to 32 "C, more males are born, above 32" C - females.
Females take care of their offspring, but not for as long as the combed crocodile. A disturbed female may leave her nest and offspring. It has been established that cubs can be born even in the absence of outside help. Newly hatched crocodiles first absorb the yolk from their sac, which they feed on for several days.
In the event of a lack of food among crocodiles, there are often cases of cannibalism. Only 1% of all newborn crocodiles survive and reach sexual maturity. Babies eat small prey, such as insects, small aquatic and semi-aquatic arthropods, crustaceans, and some fish.

Benefit / harm to humans: The local population uses crocodiles for meat, eggs and the production of products from crocodile skin. The harvesting of freshwater crocodiles by the aborigines did not have a noticeable effect on the population size. However, since the 1950s The skin of the Johnston crocodile attracted the attention of industrialists and the population began to decline until the 1960s and 70s, when measures were taken to protect the species. This species has been hunted less than the combed crocodile, since the skin of the former is less suitable for dressing.
There are known cases of freshwater crocodiles attacking people.

Population/conservation status : Population 50,000-100,000 individuals. Her condition is believed to be stable. main reason the decline in the number of Australian freshwater crocodiles is the degradation of habitual habitats. Crocodile farms have been created, but they are not widespread.
The species is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Convention and the International Red Book under the category: LRlc (low risk).

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The combed crocodile gets its name from the characteristic ridges near the eyes. With age, these ridges stand out more and more noticeably, and in older individuals the entire muzzle is covered with large tubercles. These bumps even gave the crocodile its international scientific name" Crocodylus porosus", from lat. porosus - "nostrilous".

The frightening appearance and huge size of this predator from ancient times instilled fear in the hearts of people. This is the largest modern reptile on the planet, and the largest crocodile. It is also one of the most large predators on the ground. Its size exceeds the size of a polar bear.


inhabits combed crocodile in warm waters Australia, Indonesia, India, Philippines. Formerly found in Seychelles and African east coast(now completely destroyed). The ability of the saltwater crocodile to swim well and far in the sea allows it to appear in the most unexpected places for humans. So, sometimes this predator is found even off the coast of Japan, where it never lived. Outwardly clumsy and inactive combed crocodiles can travel great distances. For long-distance travel, they use sea currents that pick up the heavy body of a reptile and carry it hundreds of kilometers. Observations of some crocodiles (using satellite transmitters) have shown that adult males can swim almost 600 km in the sea. in 25 days.

Drifting with the current helps the crocodile conserve energy. Sometimes the predator stops in coastal bays and gulfs until it reaches the desired current. Such crocodiles, waiting for their “wave”, can remain near the shore for several days, terrifying the locals. Quite often crocodiles even force out local sharks from bays of the camps. They simply cannot cope with the thick skin of a reptile, and retreat, giving up territory to a stronger predator.

The saltwater crocodile has special glands that help the animal remove excess salt from the body. Therefore, he feels great in salt water, but still prefers to be in warm water most of the time. fresh waters mangroves and calm river lagoons. They are loners by nature. If an uninvited guest enters the territory of a crocodile, there will be a fierce fight. Crocodiles fight to the death. It is not uncommon for the loser to miss a limb, or even die. These are one of the most aggressive animals towards their relatives. Adult males can only put up with the presence of several females on their territory, and then, they can only transfer their company during the mating period.

Being a super predator, the combed crocodile feeds on everything that it can “reach out to”. The diet depends on the habitat. The reptile attacks large land mammals- bulls, buffaloes, horses, etc. Hunts in salt water big fish. There is evidence of successful shark hunting. Young crocodiles feed on other reptiles, fish, invertebrates, and crustaceans. There are also cannibal crocodiles. Easily cracks down on crocodiles of other species - Australian and marsh.

Every year, there are many cases of attacks of marine crocodiles on humans. In Australia, more people suffer from the teeth of a combed predator than from a great white shark, but only 1-2 cases per year end in death (in Malaysia, more than 100 people die from crocodile attacks every year). It is believed that the reptile attacks a person not so much because of hunger, but for defensive purposes - guarding its egg laying or defending the territory. It has been noticed that in places where a person appears often, the aggressiveness of a crocodile is much weaker. The reptile gets used to human society and warns the person in advance of its presence with a threatening posture. But if a crocodile rarely sees a person, then he will try to attack an uninvited guest.

Most famous case Salted crocodile attacks on humans occurred on February 19, 1945, when almost 1,000 Japanese army soldiers were killed in the water off Ramri Island.

« About a thousand Japanese soldiers tried to repel the attack of the landing of the Royal navy Great Britain ten miles from the coast, in the mangrove swamps, where thousands of crocodiles live. Twenty soldiers were later captured alive, but most were eaten by crocodiles. The hellish situation of the retreating soldiers was aggravated by the huge number of scorpions and tropical mosquitoes that also attacked them, ”the Guinness book says. Naturalist Bruce Wright, who participated in the battle on the side of the English battalion, claimed that the crocodiles ate most of the soldiers of the Japanese detachment: “This night was the most terrible night that any of the fighters had ever experienced. Scattered in the black swamp slush, bloody screaming Japanese, crushed in the jaws of huge reptiles, and the strange disturbing sounds of spinning crocodiles represented a cacophony of hell. Such a spectacle, I think, few could observe on earth. At dawn, the vultures flew in to clean up what the crocodiles had left... of the 1,000 Japanese soldiers who entered the Rami swamps, only about 20 were found alive»

The bad reputation of the saltwater crocodile (sometimes justified) was an excuse for uncontrolled hunting of the reptile. In some places of the planet, it was completely destroyed. Currently, there is no crocodile in Thailand and Sri Lanka. The number of predators in India and Vietnam is minimal. Regulated hunting since the late 1970s has prevented the complete destruction of the reptile. Currently, there are enough crocodiles in the wild not to fear for the conservation of the species, but it is still listed in the International Red Book.

Man highly appreciates (and pays for) crocodile skin. A delicacy is fried crocodile meat. For these purposes, crocodiles are bred on special crocodile farms.