View source for Saltwater crocodile

{{Short description|Reptile of South Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania}}
{{pp-semi-indef}}
{{EngvarB|date=February 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Speciesbox
| name = Saltwater crocodile
| fossil_range = [[Pliocene]]–[[Holocene|Present]], {{fossil_range|5.3|0|ref=<ref name="Rio2021">{{cite journal |last1=Rio |first1=Jonathan P. |last2=Mannion |first2=Philip D. |date=6 September 2021 |title=Phylogenetic analysis of a new morphological dataset elucidates the evolutionary history of Crocodylia and resolves the long-standing gharial problem |journal=[[PeerJ]] |volume=9 |pages=e12094 |doi=10.7717/peerj.12094 |pmid=34567843 |pmc=8428266 |doi-access=free}}</ref>}}
| image = SaltwaterCrocodile('Maximo').jpg
| image_caption = {{small|Male}}
| image2 = Female croc.jpg
| image2_caption = {{small|Female}}
| status = LC
| status_system =IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=iucn>{{cite iucn |title=''Crocodylus porosus'' |name-list-style=amp |author=Webb, G.J.W. |author2=Manolis, C. |author3=Brien, M.L. |author4=Balaguera-Reina, S.A. |author5=Isberg, S. |date=2021 |page=e.T5668A3047556 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-2.RLTS.T5668A3047556.en |access-date=20 November 2021}}</ref>
| status2 = CITES_A1 
| status2_system = CITES 
| status2_ref = <ref>{{cite web |title=Appendices {{!}} CITES|url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php|access-date=14 January 2022|website=cites.org}}</ref>{{NoteTag|Except populations of Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea which are included in Appendix II.}}
| genus = Crocodylus
| species = porosus
| authority = [[Johann Gottlob Schneider|Schneider]], 1801
| range_map = Crocodylus porosus range.PNG
| range_map_caption = Range of the saltwater crocodile in black
}}

The '''saltwater crocodile''' ('''''Crocodylus porosus''''') is a [[crocodilia]]n native to [[saltwater]] habitats, [[brackish]] [[wetland]]s and freshwater rivers from [[India]]'s east coast across [[Southeast Asia]] and the [[Sundaic region]] to northern [[Australia]] and [[Micronesia]]. It has been listed as [[Least Concern]] on the [[IUCN Red List]] since 1996.<ref name=iucn /> It was hunted for its skin throughout its range up to the 1970s, and is threatened by illegal killing and [[habitat loss]]. It is regarded as dangerous to humans.<ref name=Webb_al2010>{{cite book |last1=Webb |first1=G. J. W. |last2=Manolis |first2=C. |last3=Brien |first3=M. L. |year=2010 |chapter=Saltwater Crocodile ''Crocodylus porosus'' |pages=99–113 |chapter-url=http://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/18%20--8088e67a.pdf |editor1-last=Manolis |editor1-first=S. C. |editor2-last=Stevenson |editor2-first=C. |title=Crocodiles: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan |edition=3rd |publisher=IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group |location=Darwin}}</ref>

The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Satellite tracking reveals long distance coastal travel and homing by translocated Estuarine Crocodiles, ''Crocodylus porosus'' |journal=PLOS ONE |year=2007 |volume=2 |pmid=17895990 |pmc=1978533 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0000949 |doi-access=free |last1=Read |first1=M. A. |last2=Grigg |first2=G. C. |last3=Irwin |first3=S. R. |last4=Shanahan |first4=D. |last5=Franklin |first5=C. E. |issue=9 |pages=e949 |bibcode=2007PLoSO...2..949R}}</ref> Males can grow up to a weight of {{cvt|1000|-|1500|kg}} and a length of {{cvt|6|m}}, rarely exceeding {{cvt|6.3|m}}.<ref name="Acid">{{cite journal |title=Estimation of total length from head length of Saltwater Crocodiles (''Crocodylus porosus'') in the Northern Territory, Australia |year=2013 |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=47 |issue=1 |pages=34–40 |doi=10.1670/11-094 |author1=Fukuda, Y. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Saalfeld, W. K. |author3=Lindner, G. |author4=Nichols, T. |s2cid=83912762 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274775364}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=Rice, S. |title=Encyclopedia of Biodiversity |edition=Revised |date=2020 |publisher=Infobase Publishing |location=New York |isbn=9781438195926 |pages=230 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YtyPEAAAQBAJ&dq=saltwater+crocodile+1500+kg&pg=PA230}}</ref> Females are much smaller and rarely surpass {{cvt|3|m}}.<ref name=Whitaker_2008>{{cite journal |last1=Whitaker |first1=R. |last2=Whitaker |first2=N. |year=2008 |title=Who's got the biggest? |journal=Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter |volume=27 |issue=4 |pages=26–30 |url=https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/907d4ded022a4ddefe525f89ee64b150.pdf}}</ref><ref name="Britton et al. 2012">{{cite journal |last1=Britton |first1=A. R. C. |last2=Whitaker |first2=R. |last3=Whitaker |first3=N. |title=Here be a Dragon: Exceptional size in Saltwater Crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') from the Philippines |journal=Herpetological Review |date=2012 |volume=43 |issue=4 |pages=541–546 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265511442}}</ref> It is also called the '''estuarine crocodile''', '''Indo-Pacific crocodile''', '''marine crocodile''', '''sea crocodile''', and, informally, the '''saltie'''.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Allen, G. R. |year=1974 |title=The marine crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'', from Ponape, Eastern Caroline Islands, with notes on food habits of crocodiles from the Palau Archipelago |journal=Copeia |volume=1974 |issue=2 |page=553 |doi=10.2307/1442558 |jstor=1442558}}</ref> A large and opportunistic [[hypercarnivore|hypercarnivorous]] [[apex predator]], they [[ambush predator|ambush]] most of their prey and then drown or swallow it whole. They will prey on almost any animal that enters their territory, including other predators such as [[shark]]s, varieties of [[freshwater fish|freshwater]] and [[saltwater fish]] including [[pelagic fish|pelagic]] species, [[invertebrate]]s such as [[crustacean]]s, various [[amphibian]]s, other [[reptile]]s, [[bird]]s, and [[mammal]]s.<ref name="Callaway, J. M. 1997">{{cite book |last1=Hua |first1=S. |last2=Buffetaut |first2=E. |year=1997 |chapter=Part V: Crocodylia |pages=357–374 |title=Ancient marine reptiles |location=Cambridge |publisher=Academic Press |isbn=978-0-12-155210-7 |doi=10.1016/B978-0-12-155210-7.X5000-5 |editor1-last=Callaway |editor1-first=J. M. |editor2-last=Nicholls |editor2-first=E. L. |chapter-url=https://reader.elsevier.com/reader/sd/pii/B9780121552107500193?token=49212F9BD94583575A4553B27CDA591A7B9C97B6698550E9A3E43766F27F48E72A8DF49B165E55D9E81AC46194045F04}}</ref><ref name="Blaber, S. J. 2008">{{cite book |last1=Blaber |first1=S. J. M. |year=2008 |title=Tropical estuarine fishes: ecology, exploration and conservation |location=Oxford |publisher=Blackwell Science |pages=185–201 |chapter=Mangroves and Estuarine Dependence |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=V53GoUTN_wYC&pg=PA196 |isbn=9780470694985}}</ref>

== Taxonomy and evolution ==
[[File:MAGNT Sweetheart.JPG|thumb|[[Sweetheart (crocodile)|Sweetheart]], a saltwater crocodile from Finnis River in northern Australia proposed as ''Crocodilus pethericki'' in 1985]]
''Crocodilus porosus'' was the [[scientific name]] proposed by [[Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider]] who described a [[zoological specimen]] in 1801.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Schneider |first1=J. G. |year=1801 |title=Historiae Amphibiorum naturalis et literariae Fasciculus Secundus continens Crocodilos, Scincos, Chamaesauras, Boas, Pseudoboas, Elapes, Angues, Amphisbaenas et Caecilias |location=Jenae |publisher=Wesselhoeft |chapter=''Porosus'' |chapter-url=https://gdz.sub.uni-goettingen.de/id/PPN582122139?tify={%22pages%22:[169],%22view%22:%22info%22} |pages=159–160}}</ref> In the 19th and 20th centuries, several saltwater crocodile specimens were described with the following names:
*''Crocodilus biporcatus'' proposed by [[Georges Cuvier]] in 1807 were 23 saltwater crocodile specimens from India, [[Java]] and [[Timor]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Cuvier, G. |year=1807 |title=Sur les différentes especes de crocodiles vivans et sur leurs caracteres distinctifs |journal=Annales du Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle Paris |volume=10 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/annalesdumusum10mus/page/8 8]–86 |url=https://archive.org/details/annalesdumusum10mus}}</ref>
*''Crocodilus biporcatus raninus'' proposed by [[Salomon Müller]] and [[Hermann Schlegel]] in 1844 was a crocodile from [[Borneo]].<ref>{{cite book |editor=Temminck, C. J. |title=Verhandelingen over de natuurlijke geschiedenis der Nederlandsche overzeesche Bezittingen, door de leden der Natuurkundige Commissie in Indie en andere Schrijvers |location=Leiden |publisher=S. en J. Luchtmans en C. C. van der Hoek |author=Müller, S. |author2=Schlegel, H. |year=1844 |chapter=Over de Krokodillen van den Indischen Archipel |pages=1–70 |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/verhandelingeno1temm/page/n1059}}</ref>
*''Crocodylus porosus australis'' proposed by [[Paulus Edward Pieris Deraniyagala]] in 1953 was a specimen from Australia.<ref>{{cite book |author=Deraniyagala, P. E. P. |year=1953 |title=A coloured atlas of some vertebrates from Ceylon |volume=Tetrapod Reptilia |publisher=Government Press |location=Colombo |chapter=''Crocodylus porosus australis'' ssp. nov. |pages=33–34}}</ref>
*''Crocodylus pethericki'' proposed by Richard Wells and C. Ross Wellington in 1985 was a large-bodied, relatively large-headed and short-tailed crocodile specimen collected in 1979 in the Finnis River, [[Northern Territory]].<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Wells, R. W. |author2=Wellington, C. R. |name-list-style=amp |year=1985 |title=A classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia |journal=[[Australian Journal of Herpetology, Supplemental Series]] |volume=1 |pages=1–61 |url=http://www.iucn-tftsg.org/wp-content/uploads/file/Articles/Wells_and_Wellington_1985.pdf}}</ref> This purported species was later considered to be a misinterpretation of the physiological changes that very large male crocodiles undergo. However, Wells and Wellington's assertion that the Australian saltwater crocodiles may be distinctive enough from northern Asian saltwater crocodiles to warrant [[subspecies]] status, as could ''raninus'' from other Asian saltwater crocodiles, has been considered to possibly bear validity.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Das, I. |author2=Charles, J. K. |title=A Record of ''Crocodylus raninus'' Müller & Schlegel, 1844 from Brunei, North-western Borneo |journal=Sabah Parks Nature Journal |volume=3 |year=2000 |pages=1–5}}</ref> 

Currently, the saltwater crocodile is considered a [[monotypic species]].<ref name= Brazaitis>{{cite book |author=Brazaitis, P. |year=2001 |title=A Guide to the Identification of the Living Species of Crocodilians |publisher=Wildlife Conservation Society |location=New York}}</ref>

=== Evolution ===
[[Fossil]] remains of a saltwater crocodile [[Excavation (archaeology)|excavated]] in northern [[Queensland]] were dated to the [[Pliocene]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Molnar, R. E. |year=1979 |title=''Crocodylus porosus'' from the Pliocene Allingham formation of North Queensland. Results of the Ray E. Lemley expeditions, part 5 |journal=Memoirs of the Queensland Museum |volume=19 |pages=357–365}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Willis, P. M. A. |year=1997 |title=Review of fossil crocodilians from Australasia |journal=Australian Journal of Zoology |volume=30 |issue=3 |pages=287–298 |doi=10.7882/AZ.1997.004 |doi-access=free}}</ref> The saltwater crocodile's closest [[extant taxon|extant]] (living) relatives are the [[Siamese crocodile]] and the [[mugger crocodile]].<ref name=Gatesy2008>{{cite journal |last1=Gatesy |first1=J. |last2=Amato |first2=G. |year=2008 |title=The rapid accumulation of consistent molecular support for intergeneric crocodylian relationships |journal=[[Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution]] |volume=48 |issue=3 |pages=1232–1237 |doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2008.02.009 |pmid=18372192|bibcode=2008MolPE..48.1232G }}</ref><ref name=Srikulnath2015>{{cite journal |author1=Srikulnath, K. |author2=Thapana, W. |author3=Muangmai, N. |name-list-style=amp |year=2015 |title=Role of chromosome changes in ''Crocodylus'' evolution and diversity |journal=Genomics Inform |volume=13 |issue=4 |pages=102–111 |doi=10.5808/GI.2015.13.4.102 |pmc=4742319 |pmid=26865840}}</ref><ref name=LeeYates2018>{{cite journal |author=Lee, M. S. Y. |author2=Yates, A. M. |name-list-style=amp |date=2018 |title=Tip-dating and homoplasy: reconciling the shallow molecular divergences of modern gharials with their long fossil |journal=[[Proceedings of the Royal Society B]] |volume=285 |issue=1881 |doi=10.1098/rspb.2018.1071 |pmid=30051855 |pmc=6030529 |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref name=Hekkala2021>{{Cite journal |last1=Hekkala |first1=E. |last2=Gatesy |first2=J. |last3=Narechania |first3=A. |last4=Meredith |first4=R. |last5=Russello |first5=M. |last6=Aardema |first6=M. L. |last7=Jensen |first7=E. |last8=Montanari |first8=S. |last9=Brochu |first9=C. |last10=Norell |first10=M. |last11=Amato |first11=G. |date=27 April 2021 |title=Paleogenomics illuminates the evolutionary history of the extinct Holocene "horned" crocodile of Madagascar, ''Voay robustus'' |journal=Communications Biology |language=en |volume=4 |issue=1 |page=505 |doi=10.1038/s42003-021-02017-0 |pmid=33907305 |pmc=8079395 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

The [[genus]] ''[[Crocodylus]]'' was thought to have evolved in Australia and Asia.<ref name=Oaks2011>{{cite journal |last1=Oaks |first1=J.R. |title=A time-calibrated species tree of Crocodylia reveals a recent radiation of the true crocodiles |journal=Evolution |volume=65 |issue=11 |year=2011 |pages=3285–3297 |doi=10.1111/j.1558-5646.2011.01373.x |pmid=22023592 |s2cid=7254442 |doi-access=free}}</ref> Results of a [[phylogenetic]] study supports its likely origin in Africa and later [[Radiation (evolution)|radiation]] towards Southeast Asia and the Americas; it [[genetic divergence|genetically diverged]] from its closest recent relative, the extinct ''[[Voay]]'' of [[Madagascar]], around {{mya|25}} near the boundary between the [[Oligocene]] and [[Miocene]].<ref name=Hekkala2021/>

===Phylogeny===
Below is a [[cladogram]] based on a 2018 [[tip dating]] study by Lee & Yates simultaneously using [[morphology (biology)|morphological]], molecular ([[DNA sequencing]]), and [[stratigraphic]] ([[fossil]] age) data,<ref name="LeeYates2018"/> as revised in 2021 after a [[paleogenomics]] study using DNA extracted from the extinct ''Voay''.<ref name=Hekkala2021/>
{{clade| style=font-size:100%;line-height:85%
|label1=[[Crocodylinae]]
|1={{clade
 |1=''[[Voay]]''{{extinct}}
 |label2=''[[Crocodylus]]''
 |2={{clade
  |1={{clade
   |1={{clade
    |1=''[[Crocodylus anthropophagus]]''{{extinct}}
    |2=''[[Crocodylus thorbjarnarsoni]]''{{extinct}} }}
   |2={{clade
    |1=''[[Crocodylus palaeindicus]]''{{extinct}}
    |2=''Crocodylus'' Tirari Desert{{extinct}} }} }}
  |2={{clade
   |label1=Asia+Australia
   |1={{clade
    |1={{clade
     |1=''Crocodylus johnstoni'' [[Freshwater crocodile]] [[File:Freshwater crocodile white background.jpg|70 px]]
     |2={{clade
      |1=''Crocodylus novaeguineae'' [[New Guinea crocodile]]
      |2=''Crocodylus mindorensis'' [[Philippine crocodile]] }} }}
    |2={{clade
     |1=''Crocodylus porosus'' '''Saltwater crocodile''' [[File:Crocodylus porosus white background.jpg|80 px]]
     |2={{clade
      |1=''Crocodylus siamensis'' [[Siamese crocodile]] [[File:Siamese Crocodile white background.jpg|50 px]]
      |2=''Crocodylus palustris'' [[Mugger crocodile]] [[File:Mugger crocodile white background.jpg|70 px]] }} }} }}
   |label2=Africa+New World
   |2={{clade
    |1={{clade
     |1=''[[Crocodylus checchiai]]''{{extinct}}
     |2=''[[Crocodylus falconensis]]''{{extinct}} }}
    |2={{clade
     |1=''Crocodylus suchus'' [[West African crocodile]]
     |2={{clade
      |1=''Crocodylus niloticus'' [[Nile crocodile]] [[File:Nile crocodile white background.jpg|70 px]]
      |label2=New World
      |2={{clade
       |1={{clade
        |1=''Crocodylus moreletii'' [[Morelet's crocodile]]
        |2=''Crocodylus rhombifer'' [[Cuban crocodile]] [[File:Cuban crocodile white background.jpg|50 px]] }}
       |2={{clade
        |1=''Crocodylus intermedius'' [[Orinoco crocodile]]
        |2=''Crocodylus acutus'' [[American crocodile]] [[File:American crocodile white background.jpg|70 px]] }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }} }}

==Description==
[[File:Saltieskull.JPG|thumb|Saltwater crocodile skull from [[Zoological Museum of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences|The Museum of Zoology]], [[Saint Petersburg]]. Note the considerably more slender skull of a [[gharial]] in the background.]]
[[File:Crocodile Crocodylus-porosus amk2.jpg|thumb|Head of a saltwater crocodile]]
The saltwater crocodile has a wide snout compared to most crocodiles. However, it has a longer [[snout]] than the [[mugger crocodile]] (''C. palustris''); its length is twice its width at the base.<ref name="Guggisberg">{{cite book |last=Guggisberg |first=C. A. W. |title=Crocodiles: Their Natural History, Folklore, and Conservation |year=1972 |page=195 |location=Newton Abbot |publisher=David & Charles |isbn=978-0-7153-5272-4}}</ref> A pair of ridges runs from the eyes along the centre of the snout. The scales are oval in shape and the [[scute]]s are either small compared to other species or commonly are entirely absent. In addition, an obvious gap is also present between the cervical and dorsal [[crocodilian armor|shields]], and small, triangular scutes are present between the posterior edges of the large, transversely arranged scutes in the dorsal shield. The relative lack of scutes is considered an asset useful to distinguish saltwater crocodiles in captivity or in illicit leather trading, as well as in the few areas in the field where sub-adult or younger saltwater crocodiles may need to be distinguished from other crocodiles. It has fewer armour plates on its neck than other crocodilians.<ref>{{cite book |last=Kondo |first=H. |year=1970 |title=Grolier's Amazing World of Reptiles |location=New York, NY |publisher=Grolier Interprises Inc.}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Ross |first1=F. D. |last2=Mayer |first2=G. C. |year=1983 |chapter=On the dorsal armor of the Crocodilia |pages=[https://archive.org/details/advancesinherpet00will/page/306 306–331] |title=Advances in Herpetology and Evolutionary Biology |chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/advancesinherpet00will |editor1-last=Rhodin |editor1-first=A. G. J. |editor2-last=Miyata |editor2-first=K. |publisher=Museum of Comparative Zoology |location=Cambridge |isbn=9780910999007}}</ref>

The adult saltwater crocodile's broad body contrasts with that of most other lean crocodiles, leading to early unverified assumptions the reptile was an [[alligator]].<ref name="ufl"/>

Young saltwater crocodiles are pale yellow in colour with black stripes and spots on their bodies and tails. This colouration lasts for several years until the crocodiles mature into adults. The colour as an adult is much darker greenish-drab, with a few lighter tan or grey areas sometimes apparent. Several colour variations are known and some adults may retain fairly pale skin, whereas others may be so dark as to appear blackish. The ventral surface is white or yellow in colour in saltwater crocodiles of all ages. Stripes are present on the lower sides of their bodies, but do not extend onto their bellies. Their tails are grey with dark bands.<ref>{{cite book |last=Lanworn |first=R. |year=1972 |title=The Book of Reptiles |location=New York, NY |publisher=The Hamlyn Publishing Group Ltd. |isbn=978-0600312734}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://reptilianzone.com/saltwater-crocodile/ |title=Crocodylus porosus |date=17 February 2017 |publisher=ReptilianZone.com |access-date=2 March 2017 |archive-date=29 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729173332/http://reptilianzone.com/saltwater-crocodile/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Size===
The weight of a crocodile increases approximately cubically as length increases (see [[square–cube law]]).<ref>{{Cite journal |doi=10.1007/s00360-012-0732-1 |pmid=23233168 |title=Scaling of standard metabolic rate in estuarine crocodiles ''Crocodylus porosus'' |journal=Journal of Comparative Physiology B |volume=183 |issue=4 |pages=491–500 |year=2012 |last1=Seymour |first1=R. S. |last2=Gienger |first2=C. M. |last3=Brien |first3=M. L. |last4=Tracy |first4=C. R. |last5=Manolis |first5=C. S. |last6=Webb |first6=G. J. W. |last7=Christian |first7=K. A. |s2cid=3191541}}</ref> This explains why individuals at {{cvt|6|m|ft}} weigh more than twice as much as individuals at {{cvt|5|m|ft}}.<ref name="ufl">{{cite web |url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/NATSCI/HERPETOLOGY/brittoncrocs/csp_cpor.htm |last=Britton |first=A. |title=''Crocodylus porosus'' (Schneider, 1801) |publisher=The Crocodilian Species List |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 January 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060108113747/http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/NATSCI/HERPETOLOGY/brittoncrocs/csp_cpor.htm}}</ref> In crocodiles, linear growth eventually decreases and they start getting bulkier at a certain point.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.madrascrocbank.blogspot.com/2008/08/worlds-biggest-crocodiles.html |title=World's Biggest Crocodiles |publisher=Madras Crocodile Bank Trust|access-date=26 May 2016}}</ref>

Saltwater crocodiles are the largest extant [[riparian zone|riparian]] predators in the world. However, they start life fairly small. Newly hatched saltwater crocodiles measure about {{cvt|28|cm}} long and weigh an average of {{cvt|71|g}}.<ref name="NewHolland">{{cite web |title=Insights into Crocodile lifestyles |url=http://www.newholland.com.au/products/docs/9781741108484.pdf |publisher=newholland.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004002656/http://www.newholland.com.au/products/docs/9781741108484.pdf |archive-date=4 October 2009}}</ref> These sizes and ages are almost identical to those at average sexual maturity in [[Nile crocodile]]s, despite the fact that average adult male saltwater crocodiles are considerably larger than average adult male Nile crocodiles.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Loveridge, J. P. |name-list-style=amp |author2=Blake, D. K. |year=1972 |title=Techniques in the immobilisation and handling of the Nile crocodile, ''Crocodylus niloticus'' |journal=National Museums and Monuments of Rhodesia |volume= |issue= |pages= |url=}}</ref><ref name=Bourquin>{{cite thesis |author=Bourquin, S. L. |year=2008 |title=The population ecology of the Nile Crocodile (''Crocodylus niloticus'') in the Panhandle Region of the Okavango Delta, Botswana |type=Doctoral dissertation |publisher=Stellenbosch University |url=http://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/1281}}</ref>

The largest skull of a saltwater crocodile that could be scientifically verified was of a specimen in the [[Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle]], collected in [[Cambodia]]. Its skull was {{cvt|76|cm}} long and {{cvt|48|cm}} wide near its base, with {{cvt|98.3|cm}} long mandibles; its length is not known, but based on skull-to-length ratios of large saltwater crocodiles its length was presumably in the {{cvt|6.7|-|7|m}} range, though it could have had an exceptionally large skull or may not have the same skull-to-total-length ratios as other large saltwater crocodiles.<ref name=Whitaker_2008/><ref name=Greer1974>{{cite journal |last1=Greer |first1=A. E. |title=On the maximum total length of the Salt-Water Crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') |jstor=1562913 |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=8 |issue=4 |year=1974 |pages=381–384 |doi=10.2307/1562913}}</ref><ref name="Britton et al. 2012"/> If detached from the body, the head of a large male crocodile can weigh over {{cvt|200|kg}}, including the large muscles and [[tendon]]s at the base of the skull that lend the crocodile its massive biting strength.<ref name=Wood>{{cite book |last=Wood |first=G. |year=1983 |title=The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats |isbn=978-0-85112-235-9 |url-access=registration |page=256 |url=https://archive.org/details/guinnessbookofan00wood/page/n261 |publisher=Guinness Superlatives}}</ref> The largest tooth measured {{cvt|9|cm}} in length.<ref>{{cite news |title=Australian crocodile Elvis sinks teeth into lawnmower |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/28/world/asia/australia-crocodile-lawnmower/index.html |newspaper=CNN |date=2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.angelfire.com/mo2/animals1/crocodile/asc.html |title=Australian Saltwater Crocodile (Estuarine Crocodile) – ''Crocodylus porosus'' |website=Angelfire |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>
Other crocodilians like the [[gharial]] (''Gavialis gangeticus'') and the [[false gharial]] (''Tomistoma schlegelii'') have a proportionately longer skull, but both their skulls and their bodies are less massive than in the saltwater crocodile.<ref name=Whitaker_2008/>

====Male size====
An adult male saltwater crocodile, from young adults to older individuals, typically ranges {{cvt|3.5|to(-)|5|m|ftin}} in length and weighs {{cvt|200|to|1100|kg}}.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Olsson, A. |author2=Phalen, D. |year=2012 |title=Preliminary studies of chemical immobilization of captive juvenile estuarine (''Crocodylus porosus'') and Australian freshwater (''C. johnstoni'') crocodiles with medetomidine and reversal with atipamezole |pmid=22642399 |journal=Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia |volume=39 |issue=4 |pages=345–356 |doi=10.1111/j.1467-2995.2012.00721.x}}</ref><ref name= Webb>{{cite book |author=Webb, G. |author2=Manolis, S. C. |year=1989 |title=Crocodiles of Australia |publisher=Reed Books}}</ref><ref name= Webb2>{{cite journal |author=Webb, G. J. W. |author2=Messel, H. |author3=Crawford, J. |author4=Yerbury, M. J. |year=1978 |title=Growth rates of ''Crocodylus porosus'' (Reptilia: Crocodilia) from Arnhem Land, northern Australia |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=385–399 |doi=10.1071/WR9780385}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title="Estuarine crocodiles." FAO species identification guide for fishery purposes. The Living Marine Resources of the Western Central Pacific |date=2001 |publisher=Rosenzweig, P. A. |pages=3972 |url=https://www.fao.org/3/y0870e/y0870e64.pdf}}</ref> On average, adult males range {{cvt|4.0|to(-)|4.5|m|ftin}} in length and weigh {{cvt|408|to|770|kg}}.<ref name="Wood"/><ref name="taylorfrancis.com">{{cite book |last1=Nayak |first1=Lakshman |last2=Sharma |first2=Satyabrata Das |last3=Pati |first3=Mitali Priyadarsini |title=Environmental Management of Marine Ecosystems |page=313 |chapter-url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9781315153933-12/conservation-management-saltwater-crocodile-crocodylus-porosus-bhitarkanika-wildlife-sanctuary-odisha-india-lakshman-nayak-satyabrata-das-sharma-mitali-priyadarsini-pati |chapter=Conservation and Management of Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India |year=2018 |doi=10.1201/9781315153933 |isbn=9781315153933 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However average size largely depends on the location, habitat, and human interactions and thus varies from one study to another. In 1993, in a study conducted (published in 1998), eleven saltwater crocodiles were found to have measured {{Cvt|2.1|to(-)|5.5|m|ftin}} and weighed between {{Cvt|32|and|1010|kg|lb}}.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Grigg |first1=Gordon C. |last2=Seebacherd |first2=Frank |last3=Beard |first3=Lyn A. |last4=Morris |first4=Don |title=Thermal relations of large crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus, free—ranging in a naturalistic situation |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences |date=22 September 1998 |volume=265 |issue=1407 |pages=1793–1799 |doi=10.1098/rspb.1998.0504 |pmc=1689355 |language=en |issn=0962-8452}}</ref> Very large, aged males can exceed {{cvt|6|m|ftin}} in length and presumably weigh up to {{cvt|2000|kg}}.<ref name="ufl"/><ref name=Whitaker_2008/><ref name=Greer1974/><ref name="taylorfrancis.com"/>
[[File:Cassius The Salt-Water Crocodile.png|thumb|Cassius the largest living crocodile.]]
The largest confirmed saltwater crocodile on record drowned in a [[fishing net]] in [[Papua New Guinea]], in 1979. Its dried skin plus head measured {{cvt|6.2|m|ftin}} in length and it was estimated to have been {{cvt|6.3|m|ftin}} when accounting for shrinkage and a missing tail tip.<ref name="Britton et al. 2012" /><ref name="Whitaker_2008" /> Projected from their skull lengths, multiple specimens from [[Singapore]] were estimated to belong in life to male crocodiles measuring more than {{cvt|6|m|ftin}}.<ref>Fukuda, Y., How, C. B., Seah, B., Yang, S., Pocklington, K., & Peng, L. K. (2018). ''Historical, exceptionally large skulls of saltwater crocodiles discovered at the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum in Singapore''. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 66, 810–813.</ref> A large Vietnamese saltwater crocodile was reliably estimated, based on its skull after its death, at {{cvt|6.3|to(-)|6.8|m|ftin}}.<ref>Ziegler, T., Tao, N. T., Minh, N. T., Manalo, R., Diesmos, A., & Manolis, C. (2019). ''A giant crocodile skull from Can Tho, named “Dau Sau”, represents the largest known saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) ever reported from Vietnam''. Tap chi Sinh hoc (Journal of Biology), 41(4), 25–30.</ref> However, according to evidence in the form of skulls coming from some of the largest crocodiles ever shot, the maximum possible size attained by the largest members of this species is considered to be {{cvt|7|m|ftin}}.<ref name="Britton et al. 2012" /><ref name="ufl" /> A governmental study from Australia accepts that the very largest members of the species are likely to measure {{cvt|6|to(-)|7|m|ftin}} in length and weigh {{cvt|900|to|1500|kg}}.<ref name="Leach" /> Furthermore, a research paper on the morphology and physiology of crocodilians by the same organisation estimates that saltwater crocodiles reaching sizes of {{cvt|7|m|ftin}} would weigh around {{cvt|2000|kg}}.<ref name="EnvironmentAU">{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/dc11235d-8b3b-43f7-b991-8429f477a1d4/files/40-fauna-2a-crocodylia-morphology.pdf |title=Morphology & Physiology of Crocodylia |author=Grigg, G. |author2=Gans, C. |publisher=Australian Government- Department of the Environment |access-date=17 May 2016}}</ref> Due to the extreme size and highly aggressive nature of the species, weight in larger specimens is frequently poorly documented. A {{convert|5.1|m|ftin|adj=on}} long individual named "[[Sweetheart (crocodile)|Sweetheart]]" was found to have weighed {{Cvt|780|kg|lb}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sweetheart |url=https://www.magnt.net.au/sweetheart-crocodile |website=MAGNT |language=en}}</ref> Another large crocodile named "[[Gomek]]", measuring {{Cvt|5.42|m|ftin}} in length weighed around {{Cvt|860|kg|lb}}. In 1992, a notorious [[Man-eating animal|man-eater]], named "Bujang Senang" was killed in [[Sarawak]], [[Malaysia]]. It measured {{Cvt|5.7|m|ftin}} in length and weighed more than {{Cvt|900|kg|lb}}.<ref>{{cite book |author1=Ross, J. |title=Crocodiles: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan |date=1998 |publisher=IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group |location=Gland, Switzerland |isbn=2-8317-0441-3 |pages=57 |edition=Second |url=https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/7305ae0fceffa62c765f6a4afdc82dad.pdf}}</ref> A saltwater–siamese hybrid named "Yai" ({{langx|th|ใหญ่}}, meaning big; born 10 June 1972) at the [[Samutprakarn Crocodile Farm and Zoo]], [[Thailand]] was claimed to be the largest crocodile ever held in captivity. It measured {{cvt|6|m|ftin}} in length and weighed approximately {{convert|1118|kg|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Guinness book of records, 1994 |date=1992 |publisher=Facts on File |location=New York |isbn=9780816026456 |pages=38}}</ref> In 1962, a large male saltwater crocodile was shot in [[Adelaide River, Northern Territory]]. It was recorded to be {{Cvt|6.1|m|ftin}} long and weighed {{Cvt|1097|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Wood |first1=Gerald L. |title=The Guinness book of animal facts and feats |date=1982 |publisher=Guinness Superlatives |location=Enfield, Middlesex |isbn=978-0-85112-235-9 |pages=96 |edition=3rd}}</ref> A large male in the Philippines, named [[Lolong]], was one of the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught and placed in captivity. He was {{cvt|6.17|m|ftin}} long and weighed {{cvt|1075|kg}}.<ref name="Britton et al. 2012" /><ref name="Manalo">Manalo, R. I., & Alcala, A. C. (2013). ''Status of the crocodile (Crocodylus porosus, Schneider) industry in the Philippines''. Transactions of the National Academy of Science and Technology of the Philippines, 35(1), 219–222.</ref><ref>{{Cite news |author=Mullen, J. |title=Lolong, world's largest captive crocodile, dies in Philippines |date=2013 |website=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/11/world/asia/philippines-crocodile-death/index.html|access-date=16 January 2021}}</ref> Currently, the largest living crocodile in captivity, named "[[Cassius (crocodile)|Cassius]]", is kept at Marineland Crocodile Park, a zoo located at [[Green Island (Queensland)|Green Island]], [[Queensland]], [[Australia]]. It measures {{Cvt|5.48|m|ftin}} in length and weighs approximately {{Cvt|1300|kg|lb|-1}}.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Webb, G. |title=Observation of large Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) |journal=Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter |date=2019 |volume=38 |issue=2 |pages=12–13 |url=https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/148b62b54651a87f36649bf1fe308d4c.pdf |publisher=IUCN - Species Survival Commission}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Largest crocodile in captivity (living) |url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/largest-crocodile-in-captivity |website=Guinness World Records |language=en-gb}}</ref> 

====Female size====
Adult females typically measure from {{cvt|2.7|to|3.1|m|ftin}} in total length and weigh {{cvt|76|to|103|kg}}.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Kay, W. R. |year=2005 |title=Movements and home ranges of radio-tracked ''Crocodylus porosus'' in the Cambridge Gulf region of Western Australia |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=31 |issue=5 |pages=495–508 |doi=10.1071/WR04037 |url=https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:10080/WR04037.pdf}}</ref><ref name= Campbell>{{cite journal |author=Campbell, H. A. |author2=Dwyer, R. G. |author3=Irwin, T. R. |author4=Franklin, C. E. |year=2013 |title=Home range utilisation and long-range movement of estuarine crocodiles during the breeding and nesting season |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=8 |issue=5 |pages=e62127 |pmc=3641080 |pmid=23650510 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0062127 |bibcode=2013PLoSO...862127C|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Mercado, V. P. |year=2008 |title=Current status of the crocodile industry in the Republic of the Philippines |url=http://philippinecrocodile.com.ph/current_status_of_crocodile_industry_in_the_republ.html?ckattempt=1 |journal=National Museum Papers |volume=14 |pages=26–34}}</ref> Large mature females reach {{cvt|3.4|m|ftin}} and weigh up to {{cvt|120|to|200|kg}}.<ref>McDonald, K. R., Dennis, A. J., Kyne, P. J., Debus, S. J., & Curtis, L. (2012). ''Queensland's Threatened Animals''. CSIRO Publishing, pg. 185–186.</ref> The largest female on record measured about {{cvt|4.3|m|ftin}} in total length.<ref name="Wood" /> Female are thus similar in size to other species of large crocodiles and average slightly smaller than females of some other species, like the Nile crocodile.<ref name= Bourquin/> The saltwater crocodile has the greatest size sexual dimorphism, by far, of any extant crocodilian, as males average about 4 to 5 times as massive as adult females and can sometimes measure twice her total length. The reason for the male skewered dimorphism in this species is not definitively known but might be correlated with sex-specific territoriality and the need for adult male saltwater crocodiles to monopolise large stretches of habitat.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Halliday, T. R. |author2=Verrell, P. A. |year=1988 |title=Body size and age in amphibians and reptiles |journal=Journal of Herpetology |volume=22 |issue=3 |pages=253–265 |doi=10.2307/1564148 |jstor=1564148}}</ref><ref>Cox, R. M., Butler, M. A., & John-Alder, H. B. (2007). ''The evolution of sexual size dimorphism in reptiles''. Sex, size and gender roles: evolutionary studies of sexual size dimorphism, 38–49.</ref> Due to the extreme sexual dimorphism of the species as contrasted with the more modest-sized dimorphism of other species, the average length of the species is only slightly more than some other extant crocodilians at {{cvt|3.8|-|4|m|ftin}}.<ref name="Brazaitis" /><ref name="Guggisberg" /><ref>{{cite book |first=P. |last=Brazaitis|author-link=Peter Brazaitis |date=1987 |title=Identification of Crocodilian Skins |publisher=Pty Lim |location=Chipping Norton, Australia}}</ref>

====Reported sizes====
{|class="wikitable sortable collapsible collapsed"
|-
! Date !! Location !! Reported Length !! Reported Weight !! Reported Girth !! Reported Skull Length !! Scientifically Analyzed Length !! Comments
|-
|1840
|Bay of Bengal
|{{cvt|1005.84|cm}}
|{{cvt|2721.55|kg}}
|{{cvt|396.24|cm}}
|{{cvt|927|mm}}
|{{cvt|591.312|cm}}
|Skull saved, but was later shown to be measured incorrectly by calculating from snout to posterior edge of lower jaw, per GA Greer. Actual skull length was 655mm.<ref name="Catalogue of the chelonians, rhynchocephalians, and crocodiles in the British Museum (Natural History)">{{cite book |author=[[George Albert Boulenger]] |title=Catalogue of the chelonians, rhynchocephalians, and crocodiles in the British Museum (Natural History) |publisher=British Museum (Natural History). Department of Zoology |year=1889}}</ref><ref name=Greer1974/>
|-
|-
|1823
|Luzon, Philippines
|{{cvt|822.96|cm}}
|Not listed
|{{cvt|335.28|cm}}
|{{cvt|674|mm}}
|{{cvt|609.6|cm}}
|Skull preserved and measured by Thomas Barbour, who determined original length was taken along the curve of the belly.<ref name="Twenty Years in the Philippines [1819-1839]">{{cite book |author=La Gironière, P. |title=Twenty Years in the Philippines [1819–1839] |publisher=Harper & Brothers |year=1854}}</ref>
|-
|-
|July 1957
|Carpenteria, Australia
|{{cvt|860|cm}}
|Not listed
|Not listed
|Not listed
|Not listed
|Killed by Krystyna Pawlowski while defending her three-year-old daughter{{citation needed|date=August 2021}}
|-
|-
|1926–1932
|North Borneo
|{{cvt|1005.84|cm}}
|Not listed
|Not listed
|Not listed	
|Not listed
|Sighted by James R Montgomery sleeping on a river bank and was considered a legend by the [[Seluke]] people said to be over 200 years old.<ref name="Guinness Book of World Records Animal Facts and Feats">{{cite book |author=Wood, G.L. |title=Guinness Book of World Records Animal Facts and Feats |publisher=Sterling Pub Co., Inc |year=1982 |isbn=978-0851122359}}</ref>
|}

==Distribution and habitat==
[[File:Crocodylus porosus foraging in surf at Maconacon - ZooKeys-266-001-g104-bottom.jpg|thumb|A saltwater crocodile off [[Maconacon, Isabela|Maconacon]], [[Isabela (province)|Isabela]], northern [[Philippines]]]]
[[File:Estuarine Crocodile tracks - abundant here in the extensive freshwater wetland of Lake Modo Mahut, Welaluhu, Manufahi (13 Jun 2005).jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile tracks in [[East Timor]]]]
[[File:Leistenkrokodil.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile jumping up at [[Adelaide River]]]]
[[File:Saltwater Crocodiles of Sundarbans 03.jpg|thumb|Basking on a river bank in the [[Sundarbans]]]]

The saltwater crocodile inhabits coastal brackish [[mangrove]] swamps, river deltas and freshwater rivers from India's east coast, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to Myanmar, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, [[Philippines]], [[Timor Leste]], [[Palau]], [[Solomon Islands]], [[Singapore]], [[Papua New Guinea]], [[Vanuatu]] and Australia's north coast.<ref name=iucn/><ref name=Webb_al2010/> The southernmost population in India lives in Odisha's [[Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary]]; in northern Odisha, it has not been recorded since the 1930s.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Singh, L. A. K. |author2=Kar, S. K. |name-list-style=amp |year=2006 |title=Status of the Saltwater Crocodile in Orissa: an overview |journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society |volume=103 |issue=2/3 |pages=274–285}}</ref> It occurs along the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]] coasts and in the [[Sundarbans]].<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Andrews, H. V. |author2=Whitaker, R. |name-list-style=amp |year=1994 |title=Status of the saltwater crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'' Schneider, 1801) in North Andaman Island |journal=Hamadryad |volume=19 |pages=79–92}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |author1=Whitaker, N. |year=2008 |title=Survey of Human/Crocodile Conflict in the Union Territory of the Andaman Islands, Hut Bay, Little Andaman, January 2008 |publisher=Madras Crocodile Trust |location=Madras |url=https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/Whit-f1a1ce2f.pdf}}</ref><ref name= Kumar>{{cite book |author1=Kumar, A. |author2=Kumar, S. |author3=Zaidi, Y. F. |author4=Kanaujia, A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2012 |title=A review on status and conservation of salt water crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') in India |pages=141–148 |url=http://www.upsbdb.org/pdf/Souvenir2012/ch-16.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Das, C. S. |author2=Jana, R. |name-list-style=amp |year=2018 |title=Human–crocodile conflict in the Indian Sundarban: an analysis of spatio-temporal incidences in relation to people's livelihood |journal=Oryx |volume=52 |issue=4 |pages=661–668 |doi=10.1017/S0030605316001502|doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Aziz, M. A. |author2=Islam, M. A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2018 |title=Population status and spatial distribution of saltwater crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'' in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh |journal=Bangladesh Journal of Zoology |volume=46 |issue=1 |pages=33–44 |url=https://www.banglajol.info/index.php/BJZ/article/download/37624/25519 |doi=10.3329/bjz.v46i1.37624 |doi-access=free}}</ref> In [[Sri Lanka]], it occurs foremost in western and southern parts of the country.<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Amarasinghe, A. T. |author2=Madawala, M. B. |author3=Karunarathna, D. S. |author4=Manolis, S. C. |author5=de Silva, A. |author6=Sommerlad, R. |name-list-style=amp |year=2015 |title=Human-crocodile conflict and conservation implications of saltwater crocodiles ''Crocodylus porosus'' (Reptilia: Crocodylia: Crocodylidae) in Sri Lanka |journal=Journal of Threatened Taxa |volume=7 |issue=5 |pages=7111–7130 |doi=10.11609/JoTT.o4159.7111-30 |doi-access=free}}</ref>

In Myanmar, it inhabits the [[Ayeyarwady Delta]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Thorbjarnarson, J. |author2=Platt, S. G. |author3=Khaing, U. |name-list-style=amp |year=2000 |title=A population survey of the estuarine crocodile in the Ayeyarwady Delta, Myanmar |journal=Oryx |volume=34 |issue=4 |pages=317–324 |doi=10.1046/j.1365-3008.2000.00135.x|doi-access=free}}</ref>
In southern Thailand, it was recorded in [[Phang Nga Province]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Pauwels, O. S. |author2=Laohawat, O. A. |author3=Naaktae, W. |author4=Puangjit, C. |author5=Wisusutharom, T. |author6=Chimsunchart, C. |author7=David, P. |name-list-style=amp |year=2002 |title=Reptile and amphibian diversity in Phang-nga Province, southern Thailand |journal=Tropical Natural History |volume=2 |issue=1 |pages=25–30 |url=https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/download/102862/82406}}</ref>
In Singapore, it inhabits the [[Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve]] and marshes near Kranji and Mandai.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Chen |first1=H. |last2=Woon |first2=W. |date=2021 |title=I Went Searching for Giant 'Extinct' Crocs in Singapore. They're Very Much Alive |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/88nq7k/crocodile-sighting-singapore-photos |access-date=16 July 2023 |website=Vice}}</ref> It is [[local extinction|locally extinct]] in Cambodia, China, Seychelles, Thailand and Vietnam.<ref name=Webb_al2010/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Stuart, B. L. |author2=Hayes, B. |author3=Manh, B. H. |author4=Platt, S. G. |name-list-style=amp |year=2002 |title=Status of crocodiles in the U Minh Thuong Nature Reserve, southern Vietnam |journal=Pacific Conservation Biology |volume=8 |issue=1 |page=62 |doi=10.1071/PC020062 |s2cid=54020729}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Platt, S. G. |author2=Holloway, R. H. P. |author3=Evans, P. T. |author4=Paudyal, K. |author5=Piron, H. |author6=Rainwater, T. R. |name-list-style=amp |year=2006 |title=Evidence for the historic occurrence of ''Crocodylus porosus'' Schneider, 1801 in Tonle Sap, Cambodia |journal=Hamadryad |volume=30 |issue=1/2 |page=206}}</ref>

In China, it may have once inhabited coastal areas from [[Fujian]] province in the north to the border of Vietnam.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Webb, G. J. |year=2000 |title=Risk of extinction and categories of endangerment: perspectives from long-lived reptiles |journal=Population Ecology |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=11–17 |doi=10.1007/s101440050004 |bibcode=2000PopEc..42...11W |s2cid=42753122 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225457944}}</ref> References to crocodile attacks on humans and livestock during the [[Han dynasty|Han]] and [[Song dynasty|Song]] dynasties indicate that until the 18th century, it may have occurred in lower [[Pearl River (China)|Pearl River]] and [[Macau]], [[Han River (Guangdong)|Han River]], [[Min River (Fujian)|Min River]], portions of coastal [[Guangxi]] province and [[Hainan Island]].<ref name=Guggisberg/>

Three historical records of saltwater crocodiles being found in [[Japan]]ese coastal waters exist; an individual was found off the coast of [[Iwo Jima]] in 1744, another was found off [[Amami Ōshima]] in 1800, and finally, a third individual was caught by fishermen in [[Toyama Bay]] in 1932. All other occurrences of the species being present within Japanese territory are from World War II, and were found in areas that were formerly controlled by the Empire of Japan.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Takashima |first=Haruo |date=1955 |title=Records of crocodile captured in the neighbouring sea of Japan |url=https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/jyio1952/1/7/1_7_300/_article/-char/en |journal=Journal of the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology |volume=1 |issue=7 |pages=300–302 |doi=10.3312/jyio1952.1.300}}</ref>

In Malaysia, it was recorded in Klias, Segama and [[Kinabatangan River]]s in [[Sabah]].<ref name="Stuebing, R. B. 1994">{{cite journal |author=Stuebing, R. B. |author2=Ismail, G. |author3=Ching, L. H. |name-list-style=amp |year=1994 |title=The distribution and abundance of the Indo-Pacific crocodile ''Crocodylus porosus'' Schneider in the Klias River, Sabah, east Malaysia |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=69 |issue=1 |pages=1–7 |doi=10.1016/0006-3207(94)90322-0 |bibcode=1994BCons..69....1S}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Kaur, T. |year=2006 |title=Segama River survey |journal=Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter |volume=25 |issue=1 |page=15}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Evans, L. |author2=Jones, T. |author3=Pang, K. |author4=Saimin, S. |author5=Goossens, B. |name-list-style=amp |year=2016 |title=Spatial ecology of estuarine crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') nesting in a fragmented landscape |journal=Sensors |volume=16 |issue=9 |page=1527 |doi=10.3390/s16091527 |pmid=27657065 |pmc=5038800 |bibcode=2016Senso..16.1527E |doi-access=free}}</ref> In [[Sarawak]], it was recorded by a [[camera trap]] in [[Kuching Wetlands National Park]].<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Mohd-Azlan, J. |author2=Zulaiha, J. |author3=Lading, E. |author4=Nuriza, A. |author5=Das, I. |name-list-style=amp |year=2016 |title=Employing Camera Traps for Studying Habitat Use by Crocodiles in a Mangrove Forest in Sarawak, Borneo |journal=Herpetological Review |volume=47 |issue=4 |pages=579–583 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/311614241}}</ref> In the [[Lesser Sunda Islands]], it is present along the coasts of [[Sumba]], [[Lembata Island]], [[Flores]], [[Menipo]], [[Rote Island]], and [[Timor]]. Its status along [[Alor Island]] is unknown, where one individual was captured in the 2010s.<ref>{{cite book |author=Sideleau, B. |year=2016 |chapter=Notes on the current status of the saltwater crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'', within East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia |title=Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 24th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group Skukuza, South Africa, 23–26 May 2016 |editor=Crocodile Specialist Group |publisher=IUCN |location=Gland |pages=149–152 |chapter-url=https://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/cbb669b854f5d9b31438d0eca189915e.pdf#page=150}}</ref> In the [[Maluku Islands]], it is present around the [[Kai Islands]], the [[Aru Islands Regency|Aru Islands]], and many other islands in the region, including the [[Torres Strait Islands]]. In [[Papua New Guinea]], it is common within the coastal reaches of every river system, such as the [[Fly River]] and in the [[Bismarck Archipelago]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Jelden, D. C. |year=1980 |title=Preliminary Studies on the Breeding Biology of ''Crocodylus porosus'' and ''Crocodylus n. novaguineae'' on the Middle Sepik (Papua New Guinea) |journal=Amphibia-Reptilia |volume=1 |issue=3 |pages=353–358 |doi=10.1163/156853881X00456}}</ref>
In the [[Philippines]], it occurs in a few coastal sites like eastern [[Luzon]], [[Palawan (island)|Palawan]], the [[Liguasan Marsh]], and [[Agusan River]] on [[Mindanao]].<ref name=Webb_al2010/>

[[File:Saltwater crocodile on a beach in Darwin, NT.jpg|thumb|On a beach in [[Darwin, Northern Territory]], Australia]]
In northern Australia, the saltwater crocodile is thriving, particularly in the multiple river systems near [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin]] such as the [[Adelaide River, Northern Territory|Adelaide]], [[Mary River (Queensland)|Mary]], and [[Daly River (Northern Territory)|Daly]] Rivers, along with their adjacent [[billabong]]s and [[estuaries]].<ref>{{cite journal |author=Messel, H. |author2=Vorlicek, G. C. |name-list-style=amp |year=1986 |title=Population-Dynamics and Status of ''Crocodylus porosus'' in the Tidal Waterways of Northern Australia |doi=10.1071/WR9860071 |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=71–111}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=Read, M. A. |author2=Miller, J. D. |author3=Bell, I. P. |author4=Felton, A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2004 |title=The distribution and abundance of the estuarine crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'', in Queensland |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=31 |issue=5 |pages=527–534 |doi=10.1071/WR02025 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230555947}}</ref> The saltwater crocodile population in Australia is estimated at 100,000 to 200,000 adults. Its range extends from [[Broome, Western Australia]] through the entire Northern Territory coast all the way south to [[Rockhampton, Queensland]]. The [[Alligator Rivers]] in the [[Arnhem Land]] region are misnamed due to the resemblance of the saltwater crocodile to alligators as compared to [[freshwater crocodile]]s, which also inhabit the Northern Territory.<ref>{{cite web |title=West Alligator River |url=http://www.ntlis.nt.gov.au/placenames/view.jsp?id=19576 |website=Northern Territory Land Information System |publisher=Northern Territory Government|access-date=25 September 2012}}</ref>

Because of its ability to swim long distances at sea, individual saltwater crocodiles appeared occasionally in areas far away from their general range, up to [[Fiji]].<ref name=Campbell_al2010>{{cite journal |name-list-style=amp |author1=Campbell, H.A. |author2=Watts, M. E. |author3=Sullivan, S. |author4=Read, M. A. |author5=Choukroun, S. |author6=Irwin, S. R. |author7=Franklin, C. E. |year=2010 |title=Estuarine crocodiles ride surface currents to facilitate long-distance travel |journal=Journal of Animal Ecology |volume=79 |issue=5 |pages=955–964 |doi=10.1111/j.1365-2656.2010.01709.x |pmid=20546063 |bibcode=2010JAnEc..79..955C |doi-access=free}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Spennemann, D.H.R. |year=2021 |journal=Pacific Science |volume=74 |issue=3 |pages=211–227 |doi=10.2984/74.3.1 |title=Cruising the currents: observations of extra-limital Saltwater Crocodiles (''Crocodylus porosus'' Schneider, 1801) in the Pacific Region. Supplemental |s2cid=231875504 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349379909}}</ref>
Saltwater crocodiles generally spend the tropical wet season in freshwater swamps and rivers, moving downstream to estuaries in the dry season. Crocodiles compete fiercely with each other for territory, with dominant males in particular occupying the most eligible stretches of freshwater creeks and streams. Junior crocodiles are thus forced into marginal river systems and sometimes into the ocean. This explains the large distribution of the species, as well as its being found in the odd places on occasion such as the [[Sea of Japan]]. Like all crocodiles, they can survive for prolonged periods in only warm temperatures, and crocodiles seasonally vacate parts of Australia if cold spells hit.<ref name=Ross>{{cite book |title=Crocodiles and Alligators |editor1-last=Ross |editor1-first=C. A. |editor2-last=Garnett |editor2-first=S. |publisher=Checkmark Books |year=1989 |isbn=978-0816021741}}</ref>

==Behaviour and ecology==
[[File:Saltwater Crocodile on a river bank. in Australia.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile sunning itself]]
[[File:Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) (8851850268).jpg|thumb|An adult saltwater crocodile swimming through a swamp]]
The primary behaviour to distinguish the saltwater crocodile from other [[crocodile]]s is its tendency to occupy salt water. Though other crocodiles also have [[salt gland]]s that enable them to survive in saltwater, a trait that alligators do not possess, most other species do not venture out to sea except during extreme conditions.<ref>{{cite book |author=Schmidt-Nielsen, K. |year=1997 |title=Animal physiology: adaptation and environment |location=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |chapter=Marine air-breathing vertebrates |pages=343–354 |chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Af7IwQWJoCMC&pg=PA351 |isbn=9780521570985}}</ref>

Saltwater crocodiles use [[ocean current]]s to travel long distances. In Australia, 20 crocodiles were tagged with [[Animal migration tracking|satellite transmitter]]s; 8 of them ventured out into [[open ocean]], and one of them traveled {{cvt|590|km}} along the coast in 25 days from the North Kennedy River on the eastern coast of [[Far North Queensland]], around [[Cape York Peninsula]], to the west coast in the [[Gulf of Carpentaria]]. Another individual swam {{cvt|411|km}} in 20 days. Without having to move around much, sometimes simply by floating, the current-riding behaviour allows for the conservation of energy. They interrupted their movements and resided in sheltered bays for a few days until the current changed direction. Sometimes, they also swam up and down [[river system]]s.<ref name=Campbell_al2010/>
Generally very [[lethargy|lethargic]], a trait that helps it survive months at a time without food, the saltwater crocodile will usually loiter in the water or bask in the sun during much of the day, preferring to hunt at night. A study of seasonal saltwater crocodile behaviour in Australia indicated that they are more active and more likely to spend time in the water during the Australian summer; conversely, they are less active and spend relatively more time basking in the sun during the winter.<ref>{{cite journal |doi=10.1098/rspb.1998.0504 |pmc=1689355 |title=Thermal relations of large crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus, free-ranging in a naturalistic situation |year=1998 |last1=Grigg |first1=G. C. |last2=Seebacherd |first2=F. |last3=Beard |first3=L. A. |last4=Morris |first4=D. |journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences |volume=265 |issue=1407 |pages=1793–1799}}</ref> Saltwater crocodiles, however, are among the most active of all crocodilians, spending more time cruising and active, especially in water. They are much less [[Terrestrial animal|terrestrial]] than most species of crocodiles, spending less time on land except for [[Thermoregulation|basking]]. At times, they tend to spend weeks at sea in search of land and in some cases, [[barnacle]]s have been observed growing on crocodile scales, indicative of the long periods they spend at sea.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/Arthropoda/Crustacea/Maxillopoda/Cirripedia/Lepas_anatifera.html |title=''Lepas anatifera'' Linnaeus, 1758 |publisher=WallaWalla |access-date=2 December 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071018081738/http://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/departments/biology/rosario/inverts/Arthropoda/Crustacea/Maxillopoda/Cirripedia/Lepas_anatifera.html |archive-date=18 October 2007}}</ref>

While crocodilian brains are much smaller than those of mammals (as low as 0.05% of body weight in the saltwater crocodile), saltwater crocodiles are capable of learning difficult tasks with very little conditioning, learning to track the migratory route of their prey as the seasons change, and may possess a deeper communication ability than currently accepted.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://crocodilian.com/big-gecko |title=Big Gecko – Crocodile Management, Research and Filming |publisher=Crocodilian.com |access-date=25 July 2013 |archive-date=10 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810023555/http://crocodilian.com/big-gecko/ |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/croccomm.html |title=Crocodile Communication: Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, Gharials |publisher=Flmnh.ufl.edu |date=5 March 1996 |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>

===Hunting and diet===
[[File:Crocodile in Broome Western Australia.jpg|thumb|Feeding young adult in captivity, Western Australia]]
[[File:Crocodylus porosus feeding frenzy by Gregg Yan 01.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile tears apart a pig carcass for consumption]]
Like most species in the crocodilian family, saltwater crocodiles are not fastidious in their choice of food, and readily vary their [[prey]] selection according to availability. Nor are they voracious, as they are able to survive on relatively little food for a prolonged period. Because of their size and distribution, saltwater crocodiles hunt the broadest range of prey species of any modern crocodilian.<ref name=Ross/> The diet of hatchling, juvenile, and subadult saltwater crocodiles has been subject to extensively greater scientific study than that of fully-grown crocodiles, in large part due to the aggression, territoriality, and size of adults that make them difficult for biologists to handle without significant risk to safety, for both humans and the crocodiles themselves. The main method used for capturing adult saltwater crocodiles is a huge pole with large hooks, meant for shark capture, that restrict the crocodile's jaws, but these can cause damage to their snouts; and even this is unproven to allow successful capture for crocodiles in excess of {{cvt|4|m|ftin}}. While for example 20th century biological studies rigorously cataloged the stomach contents of "sacrificed" adult [[Nile crocodile]]s in [[Africa]],<ref name=Cott>{{cite journal |author=Cott, H. B. |year=1961 |title=Scientific results of an inquiry into the ecology and economic status of the Nile crocodile (''Crocodilus niloticus'') in Uganda and Northern Rhodesia |journal=Transactions of the Zoological Society of London |volume=29 |issue=4 |pages=211–356 |doi=10.1111/j.1096-3642.1961.tb00220.x}}</ref> few such studies were done on behalf of saltwater crocodiles despite the plethora that were slaughtered due to the leather trade during that time period. Therefore, the diet of adults is more likely to be based on reliable eye-witness accounts.<ref name="Webb, G. J. 1991">{{cite journal |author=Webb, G. J. |author2=Hollis, G. J. |author3=Manolis, S. C. |year=1991 |title=Feeding, growth, and food conversion rates of wild juvenile saltwater crocodiles (''Crocodylus porosus'') |journal=Journal of Herpetology |pages=462–473 |jstor=1564770 |volume=25 |issue=4 |doi=10.2307/1564770}}</ref><ref name= Davenport>{{cite journal |author=Davenport, J. |author2=Grove, D. J. |author3=Cannon, J. |author4=Ellis, T. R. |author5=Stables, R. |year=1990 |title=Food capture, appetite, digestion rate and efficiency in hatchling and juvenile ''Crocodylus porosus'' |journal=Journal of Zoology |volume=220 |issue=4 |pages=569–592 |doi=10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb04736.x}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Webb, G. J. |author2=Messel, H. |year=1977 |title=Crocodile capture techniques |journal=The Journal of Wildlife Management |pages=572–575 |doi=10.2307/3800531 |volume=41 |issue=3 |jstor=3800531}}</ref> Hatchlings are restricted to feeding on smaller animals, such as small fish, frogs, insects and small aquatic [[invertebrate]]s.<ref name=Davenport/> In addition to these prey, juveniles also take a variety of freshwater and saltwater fish, various [[amphibian]]s, [[crustacean]]s, [[mollusc]]s, such as large [[gastropod]]s and [[cephalopod]]s, birds, small to medium-sized [[mammal]]s, and other reptiles, such as snakes and [[lizard]]s. When crocodiles obtain a length of more than {{cvt|1.2|m|ftin}}, the significance of small invertebrate prey fades in favour of small vertebrates, including fish and smaller mammals and birds.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Taylor, J. A. |year=1979 |title=The foods and feeding habits of subadult ''Crocodylus porosus'' Schneider in northern Australia |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=6 |issue=3 |pages=347–359 |doi=10.1071/WR9790347}}</ref>
Among crustacean prey, large [[Scylla serrata|mud crab]]s of the genus ''[[Scylla (crustacean)|Scylla]]'' are frequently consumed, especially in mangrove habitats. Ground-living birds, such as the [[emu]] and different kinds of [[water bird]]s, especially the [[magpie goose]], are the most commonly preyed upon birds, due to the increased chance of encounter.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://a-z-animals.com/animals/emu/ |title=Emu (Dromaius Novaehollandiae) – Animals – A–Z Animals – Animal Facts, Information, Pictures, Videos, Resources and Links |publisher=A–Z Animals |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref><ref name=Messel>{{cite book |author=Messel, H. |author2=Vorlicek, G. C. |year=1989 |chapter=Ecology of ''Crocodylus porosus'' in northern Australia |pages=164–183 |title=Crocodiles: Their Ecology, Management and Conservation |publisher=IUCN |isbn=2880329876}}</ref> Even swift-flying birds and [[bat]]s may be snatched if close to the surface of water,<ref name="Ross"/> as well as [[wading bird]]s while these are patrolling the shore looking for food, even down to the size of a [[common sandpiper]].<ref name=NewHolland/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Yalden, D. |author2=Dougall, T. |year=2004 |title=Production, Survival, and Catchability of Chicks of Common Sandpipers ''Actitis hypoleucos'' |journal=Wader Study Group Bulletin |volume=104 |pages=82–84 |url=https://sora.unm.edu/node/121771}}</ref> Mammalian prey of juveniles and subadults are usually as large as the smaller species of [[ungulate]]s, such as the [[greater mouse-deer]] (''Tragulus napu'') and [[hog deer]] (''Hyelaphus porcinus'').<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Cramb, R. A. |author2=Sujang, P. S. |year=2013 |title=The mouse deer and the crocodile: oil palm smallholders and livelihood strategies in Sarawak, Malaysia |journal=The Journal of Peasant Studies |volume=40 |issue=1 |pages=129–154 |s2cid=126939848 |doi=10.1080/03066150.2012.750241}}</ref> Prey species recorded include [[primate]] species such as [[crab-eating macaque]]s,<ref>{{cite journal |author=Galdikas, B. M. |author2=Yeager, C. P. |year=1984 |title=Brief report: Crocodile predation on a crab-eating macaque in Borneo |journal=American Journal of Primatology |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=49–51 |doi=10.1002/ajp.1350060106 |pmid=31986847 |s2cid=84208150}}</ref> [[proboscis monkey]]s,<ref>{{cite journal |author1=Otani, Y. |author2=Tuuga, A. |author3=Bernard, H. |author4=Matsuda, I. |year=2012 |title=Opportunistic predation and predation-related events on long-tailed macaque and proboscis monkey in Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia |journal=Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation |volume=9 |pages=214–218}}</ref> and [[gibbon]]s. It preys on [[agile wallaby|agile wallabies]],<ref>{{cite journal |author=Blumstein, D. T. |author2=Daniel, J. C. |author3=Sims, R. A. |year=2003 |title=Group size but not distance to cover influences agile wallaby (''Macropus agilis'') time allocation |journal=Journal of Mammalogy |volume=84 |issue=1 |pages=197–204 |doi-access=free |doi=10.1644/1545-1542(2003)084<0197:GSBNDT>2.0.CO;2}}</ref> [[golden jackal]]s, [[viverrid]]s, turtles, [[flying fox]]es, [[hare]]s, [[rodent]]s, [[badger]]s, [[otter]]s, [[chevrotain]]s and [[pangolin]]s.<ref>{{cite book |author=Kruuk, H. |year=1995 |title=Wild Otters |place=New York |publisher=Oxford University Press}}</ref><ref name=Corlett>{{cite journal |author=Corlett, R. T. |year=2011 |title=Vertebrate carnivores and predation in the Oriental (Indomalayan) region |journal=Raffles Bulletin of Zoology |volume=59 |pages=325–360 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235998137}}</ref> A rare incidence of an adult {{cvt|2.6|m}} long saltwater crocodile preying on an [[Indian porcupine]] was reported in Sri Lanka.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Samarasinghe |first1=D. J. S. |last2=Alwis |first2=D. |date=2017 |title=''Crocodylus porosus'' (Saltwater Crocodile) diet |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320014937 |journal=Herpetological Review |volume=48 |issue=3 |pages=630–631}}</ref> Unlike fish, crabs and aquatic creatures, mammals and birds are usually found only sporadically in or next to water; so crocodiles seem to search for places where such prey may be concentrated, e.g. the water under a tree holding a [[flying fox]] colony, or spots where herds of water buffaloes feed, in order to capture small animals disturbed by the buffalo or (if a large adult crocodile is hunting) weaker members of the buffalo herd.<ref name=Messel/>

Studies have shown that, unlike [[freshwater crocodile]]s (which can easily die from eating poisonous toads), saltwater crocodiles are partially resistant to [[cane toad]] toxins and can consume them, but in only small quantities and not enough to provide effective natural control for this virulent introduced pest.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Letnic, M. |author2=Webb, J. K. |author3=Shine, R. |year=2008 |title=Invasive cane toads (''Bufo marinus'') cause mass mortality of freshwater crocodiles (''Crocodylus johnstoni'') in tropical Australia |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=141 |issue=7 |pages=1773–1782 |doi=10.1016/j.biocon.2008.04.031 |bibcode=2008BCons.141.1773L}}</ref> Large crocodiles, even the oldest males, do not ignore small species, especially those without developed escape abilities, when the opportunity arises. On the other hand, sub-adult saltwater crocodiles weighing only {{cvt|8.7|to|15.8|kg}} (and measuring {{cvt|1.36|to|1.79|m}}) have been recorded killing and eating [[goat]]s weighing 50 to 92% of their own body mass in [[Orissa, India]], and so are capable of attacking large prey from an early age.<ref name= Corlett/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Kar, S. K. |author2=Bustard, H. R. |year=1983 |title=Saltwater crocodile attacks on man |journal=Biological Conservation |volume=25 |issue=4 |pages=377–382 |doi=10.1016/0006-3207(83)90071-X |bibcode=1983BCons..25..377K}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Kar, S. K. |author2=Bustard, H. R. |year=1983 |title=Attacks on domestic livestock by juvenile saltwater crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'', in Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa India |journal=Amphibia-Reptilia |volume=4 |issue=1 |pages=81–83 |doi=10.1163/156853883X00283}}</ref> It was found that the diet of specimens in juvenile to subadult range, since they feed on any animals up to their own size practically no matter how small, was more diverse than that of adults, which often ignored all prey below a certain size limit.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Hanson, J. O. |author2=Salisbury, S. W. |author3=Campbell, H. A. |author4=Dwyer, R. G. |author5=Jardine T. D. |author6=Franklin, C. E. |year=2015 |title=Feeding across the food web: The interaction between diet, movement and body size in estuarine crocodiles (''Crocodylus porosus'') |journal=Austral Ecology |volume=40 |issue=3 |pages=275–286 |doi=10.1111/aec.12212 |bibcode=2015AusEc..40..275H |s2cid=85858989}}</ref>

Large animals taken by adult saltwater crocodiles include [[sambar deer]], [[wild boar]], [[Malayan tapir]]s, [[kangaroo]]s, [[feral pig]]s,<ref>{{cite web |date=26 April 2022 |title=Swine dining: crocodiles are thriving in the NT and it could be because of feral pigs |url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/apr/27/swine-dining-crocodiles-are-thriving-in-the-nt-and-it-could-be-because-of-feral-pigs |access-date=27 April 2022 |website=the Guardian}}</ref> [[human]]s, [[orangutan]]s, [[dingo]]s, [[tiger]]s,<ref name="FAO2012">{{Cite journal |author=Pandit, P. K. |journal=Tigerpaper |volume=XXXIX |issue=1 |url=http://www.fao.org/3/a-am998e.pdf |date=2012 |title=Sundarban Tiger − a new prey species of estuarine crocodile at Sundarban Tiger Reserve, India |pages=1–5}}</ref> and large bovines, such as [[banteng]],<ref name=Leach/> [[water buffalo]], and [[gaur]].<ref name=Kumar/><ref name=Collins>{{cite journal |author=Collins, B. |year=2005 |title=Crocodiles Inside Out: A Guide to the Crocodilians and Their Functional Morphology |journal=Austral Ecology |volume=30 |issue=4 |pages=487–508 |doi=10.1111/j.1442-9993.2005.01448.x |bibcode=2005AusEc..30..487C}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Russon, A. E. |author2=Kuncoro, P. |author3=Ferisa, A. |author4=Handayani, D. P. |year=2010 |title=How orangutans (''Pongo pygmaeus'') innovate for water |journal=Journal of Comparative Psychology |volume=124 |issue=1 |pages=14–28 |pmid=20175593 |doi=10.1037/a0017929}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author1=NG, M. |author2=Mendyk, R. W. |name-list-style=amp |year=2012 |title=Predation of an Adult Malaysian Water monitor ''Varanus salvator macromaculatus'' by an Estuarine Crocodile ''Crocodylus porosus'' |journal=Biawak |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=34–38 |url=https://www.academia.edu/3514270}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |publisher=Oxford University Press |author=Butler, J. R. |author2=Linnell, J. D. |author3=Morrant, D. |author4=Athreya, V. |author5=Lescureux, N. |author6=McKeown, A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2013 |chapter=Dog eat dog, cat eat dog: social-ecological dimensions of dog predation by wild carnivores |title=Free-Ranging Dogs and Wildlife Conservation |page=117 |chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258336275}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=De Silva, M. |author2=Dissanayake, S. |author3=Santiapillai, C. |year=1994 |title=Aspects of the population dynamics of the wild Asiatic water buffalo (''Bubalus bubalis'') in Ruhuna National Park, Sri Lanka |journal=Journal of South Asian Natural History |volume=1 |issue=1 |pages=65–76 |url=http://static1.1.sqspcdn.com/static/f/1199264/18690328/1339420173567/April+1994.+Vol.+1+No.+1+pp.+65-76.pdf}}</ref> However, larger animals are taken only sporadically because only large males typically attack very large prey, and large ungulates and other sizeable wild mammals are only sparsely distributed in this species' range, outside of a few key areas such as the [[Sundarban]]s.<ref name=Ross/> Off-setting this, [[goat]]s, [[water buffalo]] and [[wild boar]]/[[pig]]s have been introduced to many of the areas occupied by saltwater crocodiles and returned to feral states to varying degrees, and thus can amply support large crocodiles.<ref name=Guggisberg/> In Australia, the saltwater crocodile's taste for feral pigs and buffalo was a key factor in their recovery for hunting pressures over the last fifty years according to studies published in 2022 by Dr. Marianna Campbell ''et al.,''. Isotopes taken from the bones of crocodiles collected over five decades ago when crocodiles populations were low and comparisons to specimens from modern populations suggest that initially, Australian saltwater crocodiles subsisted on a more estuarine diet, and both hunting pressures by humans and a reduction in aquatic prey in places like the [[Top End]] resulted in a dietary switch to more terrestrial prey that allowed them to grow and recover more rapidly from population declines.<ref>{{cite journal |last=Darwin |first=Charles |url=https://phys.org/news/2022-04-diet-contribute-rapid-recovery-apex.html |title=Change in diet may contribute to rapid recovery of apex predator, new research reveals |journal=Biology Letters |year=2022 |volume=18 |issue=4 |doi=10.1098/rsbl.2021.0676 |publisher=Phys.org |pmid=35472283 |pmc=9042529 |s2cid=248396446 |access-date=25 May 2022}}</ref> Any type of [[livestock]], such as [[chicken]], [[sheep]], pigs, [[horse]]s and [[cattle]], and domesticated animals/pets may be eaten if given the opportunity.<ref name=Ross/> As a seagoing species, the saltwater crocodile also preys on a variety of saltwater [[bony fish]] and other [[marine animal]]s, including [[sea snake]]s, [[sea turtle]]s, [[sea bird]]s, [[dugong]]s, [[Batoidea|ray]]s (including large [[sawfish]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Green Sawfish |url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/Gallery/Descript/Greensawfish/Greensawfish.htm |website=FLMNH Ichthyology Department|access-date=22 October 2015}}</ref>), and small [[shark]]s. Most witnessed acts of predation on marine animals have occurred in coastal waters or within sight of land, with female sea turtles and their babies caught during mating season when the turtles are closer to shore, and [[bull shark]]s being the only largish shark with a strong propensity to patrol brackish and fresh waters.<ref name=Ross/><ref>{{Cite book |title=The Saltwater Wetland |first1=P. |last1=Walker |first2=E. |last2=Wood |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SW0Bdq6QOxAC |publisher=Infobase Publishing |date=2009 |isbn=9781438122359}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Significant Trade in Wildlife: a review of selected species in CITES Appendix II |volume=((2: reptiles and invertebrates]])) |editor1=Luxmoore, R. |editor2=Groombridge, B. |editor3=Broad, S. |publisher=IUCN Conservation Monitoring Centre |url=https://archive.org/details/significanttrade02luxm |year=1988 |isbn=9782880329549}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Shark!: Killer Tales from the Dangerous Depths: Killer Tales from the Dangerous Depths (Large Print 16pt) |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JfZtiHLVhmMC |date=2011 |isbn=9781459613287 |first=R. |last=Reid |publisher=ReadHowYouWant.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=84173256109 |title=No Bull: Saltwater Crocodile Eats Shark |publisher=UnderwaterTimes.com |date=2007 |access-date=30 April 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Whiting, S. D. |author2=Whiting, A. U. |name-list-style=amp |year=2011 |title=Predation by the Saltwater Crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') on sea turtle adults, eggs, and hatchlings |journal=Chelonian Conservation and Biology |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=198–205 |doi=10.2744/CCB-0881.1 |s2cid=85816270}}</ref> However, there is evidence that saltwater crocodiles do hunt while out in the open seas, based upon the remains of pelagic fishes that dwell only miles away from land being found in their stomachs.<ref name="Callaway, J. M. 1997"/><ref name="Blaber, S. J. 2008"/>

The hunting methods utilised by saltwater crocodiles are indistinct from any other crocodilian, with the hunting crocodile submerging and quietly swimming over to the prey before pouncing upwards, striking suddenly. Unlike some other crocodilians, such as [[American alligator]]s and even [[Nile crocodile]]s, they are not known to have hunted on dry land.<ref name="Ross"/><ref name=Guggisberg/> Young saltwater crocodiles are capable of breaching their entire body into the air in a single upward motion while hunting prey that may be perched on low hanging branches.<ref name=Davenport/> While hunting [[rhesus macaque]]s, they have been seen to knock the monkeys off a bank by knocking them with their tail, forcing the macaque into water for easy consumption. However, whether tail use in hunting is intentional or just an accidental benefit is not definitely clear.<ref name=Guggisberg/> As with other crocodilians, their sharp, peg-like teeth are well-suited to seize and tightly grip prey, but not to [[cutting|shear]] flesh. Small prey are simply swallowed whole, while larger animals are dragged into deep water and [[drowning|drowned]] or crushed.<ref name="news.nationalgeographic.com">{{cite web |url=http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120315-crocodiles-bite-force-erickson-science-plos-one-strongest/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317064400/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120315-crocodiles-bite-force-erickson-science-plos-one-strongest/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 March 2012 |title=Crocodiles Have Strongest Bite Ever Measured, Hands-on Tests Show |publisher=News.nationalgeographic.com |date=15 March 2012 |access-date=12 June 2013}}</ref> Large prey is then torn into manageable pieces by "death rolling", the spinning of the crocodile to twist off hunks of meat or by sudden jerks of the head.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=187 |title=Saltwater Crocodiles, ''Crocodylus porosus'' ~ |publisher=Marinebio.org |date=2013 |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref> Occasionally, food items will be stored for later consumption once a crocodile eats its fill, although this can lead to scavenging by interlopers such as monitor lizards.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Doody, J. S. |year=2009 |title=Eyes bigger than stomach: prey caching and retrieval in the saltwater crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'' |journal=Herpetological Review |volume=40 |issue=1 |page=26}}</ref>

====Bite====
[[File:Journal.pone.0031781.g003.tif|thumb|left|Regression of mean body mass and bite force of ''C. porosus'']]
[[File:Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) (8851846180).jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodiles, even adults, can breach out of the water in upwards direction to capture food, although are most often seen to do so when coerced by bait, as seen here]]
Saltwater crocodiles have the strongest [[bite]] of any living animal. A {{cvt|4.59|m|ftin|adj=mid|-long}} {{cvt|531|kg|lb|adj=mid}} saltwater crocodile has been confirmed as having the highest [[bite force quotient]] ever recorded for an animal in a laboratory setting, with a value of {{cvt|16414|N|lbf}} surpassing the previous record of {{cvt|13172|N|lbf|disp=or}} made by an [[American alligator]] (''Alligator mississippinesis'')).<ref>{{cite journal |title=Comparison of bite-force performance between long-term captive and wild American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) |journal=[[Journal of Zoology]] |volume=262 |issue=1 |pages=21–28 |doi=10.1017/S0952836903004400 |year=2004 |url=http://www.alligatorfarm.us/images/Research/Erickson%20et%20al.%202004.pdf |last1=Erickson |first1=G. M. |last2=Lappin |first2=A. K. |last3=Parker |first3=T. |last4=Vliet |first4=K. A. |name-list-style=amp}}</ref><ref name="erickson">{{cite journal |last=Erickson |first=G.M. |author2=Gignac, P.M. |author3=Steppan, S.J. |author4=Lappin, A.K. |author5=Vliet, K.A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2012 |title=Insights into the ecology and evolutionary success of crocodilians revealed through bite-force and tooth-pressure experimentation |journal=PLOS ONE |volume=7 |issue=3 |page=e31781 |doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0031781 |pmid=22431965 |pmc=3303775 |bibcode=2012PLoSO...731781E |doi-access=free}}</ref> Based on the regression of mean body mass and mean bite force, the bite forces of multiple crocodile species, {{cvt|1308|kg}} individuals were estimated at {{cvt|27531|to|34424|N|lbf}}.<ref name="erickson"/> The extraordinary bite of crocodilians is a result of their [[anatomy]]. The space for the jaw muscle in the [[skull]] is very large, which is easily visible from the outside as a bulge at each side. The nature of the [[muscle]] is extremely stiff, almost as hard as bone to the touch, such that it can appear to be a continuation of the skull. Another trait is that most of the muscle in a crocodile's jaw is arranged for clamping down. Despite the strong muscles to close the jaw, crocodiles have extremely small and weak muscles to open the jaw. The jaws of a crocodile can be securely shut with several layers of [[duct tape]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Cogger, H.G. |year=1996 |title=Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia |place=Chatswood, NSW |publisher=Reed Books}}</ref>

===Reproduction===
Males reach sexual maturity around {{cvt|3.3|m}} at around 16 years of age, while females reach sexual maturity at {{cvt|2.1|m}} and 12–14 years of age.<ref name="Britton et al. 2012"/>
Saltwater crocodiles mate in the wet season, when water levels are at their highest. In Australia, the male and female engage in courtship in September and October, and the female lays eggs between November and March.<ref name=Leach/> It is possible the rising temperatures of the wet season provoke reproductive behaviour in this species.<ref name=Messel/> While crocodilians generally nest every year, there have been several recorded cases of female saltwater crocodiles nesting only every other year and also records of a female attempting to produce two broods in a single wet season.<ref name=Messel/> The female selects the nesting site, and both parents will defend the nesting territory, which is typically a stretch of shore along tidal rivers or freshwater areas, especially swamps. Nests are often in a surprisingly exposed location, often in mud with little to no vegetation around, and thus limited protection from the sun and wind. The nest is a mound of mud and vegetation, usually measuring {{cvt|175|cm}} long and {{cvt|53|cm}} high, with an entrance averaging {{cvt|160|cm}} in diameter.<ref name=Messel/> Some nests in unlikely habitats have occurred, such as rocky rubble or in a damp low-grass field.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Somaweera, R. |author2=Shine, R. |name-list-style=amp |year=2013 |title=Nest-site selection by crocodiles at a rocky site in the Australian tropics: Making the best of a bad lot |journal=Austral Ecology |volume=38 |issue=3 |pages=313–325 |doi=10.1111/j.1442-9993.2012.02406.x |bibcode=2013AusEc..38..313S}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Magnusson, W. E. |year=1980 |title=Habitat required for nesting by ''Crocodylus porosus'' (Reptilia: Crocodilidae) in northern Australia |journal=Australian Wildlife Research |volume=7 |issue=1 |pages=149–156 |doi=10.1071/WR9800149 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/248882409}}</ref> The female crocodile usually scratches a layer of leaves and other debris around the nest entrance and this covering is reported to produce an "astonishing" amount of warmth for the eggs (coincidentally these nesting habits are similar to those of the birds known as [[megapode]]s that nest in upland areas of the same [[Australasia]]n regions where saltwater crocodiles are found).<ref name=Guggisberg/><ref>{{cite journal |author=Seymour, R. S. |author2=Ackerman, R. A. |year=1980 |title=Adaptations to underground nesting in birds and reptiles |journal=American Zoologist |volume=20 |issue=2 |pages=437–447 |doi=10.1093/icb/20.2.437|doi-access=free}}</ref>

The female typically lays from 40 to 60 eggs, but some clutches have included up to 90. The eggs measure on average {{cvt|8|by|5|cm}} and weigh {{cvt|113|g}} on average in Australia and {{cvt|121|g}} in [[India]].<ref name=Leach/><ref name=Gopi/> These are relatively small, as the average female saltwater crocodile weighs around five times as much as a freshwater crocodile, but lays eggs that are only about 20% larger in measurement and 40% heavier than those of the smaller species.<ref name=NewHolland/> The average weight of a new hatchling in Australia is reportedly {{cvt|69.4|g}}.<ref name=Leach/> Although the female guards the nest for 80 to 98 days (in extreme high and low cases from 75 to 106 days), the loss of eggs is often high due to flooding and occasionally to predation.<ref name=Leach/> As in all crocodilians, the sex of the hatchlings is determined by temperature. At 28–30 degrees all hatchlings will be female, at 30–32 degrees 86% of hatchlings are male, and at 33 or more degrees predominantly female (84%).<ref>{{cite journal |author=Lang, J. W. |author2=Andrews, H. V. |name-list-style=amp |year=1994 |title=Temperature-dependent sex determination in crocodilians |journal=Journal of Experimental Zoology |volume=270 |issue=1 |pages=28–44 |doi=10.1002/jez.1402700105}}</ref> In Australia, [[goanna]]s (''Varanus giganteus'') commonly eat freshwater crocodile eggs (feeding on up to 95% of the clutch if discovered), but are relatively unlikely to eat saltwater crocodile eggs due to the vigilance of the imposing mother, with about 25% of the eggs being lost to goannas (less than half as many Nile crocodile eggs are estimated to be eaten by monitors in Africa).<ref name=NewHolland/> A majority of the loss of eggs of saltwater crocodiles occurs due to flooding of the nest hole.<ref name=Messel/><ref name=Magnusson>{{cite journal |author=Magnusson, W. E. |year=1982 |title=Mortality of eggs of the crocodile ''Crocodylus porosus'' in northern Australia |journal=Journal of Herpetology |pages=121–130 |jstor=1563804 |volume=16 |issue=2 |doi=10.2307/1563804}}</ref>

As in most crocodilian species, the female saltwater crocodile exhibits a remarkable level of maternal care for a reptile. She excavates the nest in response to "yelping" calls from the hatchlings, and even gently rolls eggs in her mouth to assist hatching. The female will then carry the hatchlings to water in her mouth (as [[Nile crocodile#Reproduction|Nile crocodile]] and [[American alligator#Reproduction|American alligator]] females have been observed doing when their eggs hatch) and remains with the young for several months. Despite her diligence, losses of baby crocodiles are heavy due to various predators and unrelated crocodiles of their own species. Only approximately 1% of the hatchlings will survive to adulthood.<ref name="autogenerated1"/> By crocodilian standards, saltwater crocodile hatchlings are exceptionally aggressive to one another and will often fight almost immediately after being transported to water by their mother.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Brien, M. L. |author2=Webb, G. J. |author3=Lang, J. W. |author4=McGuinness, K. A. |author5=Christian, K. A. |name-list-style=amp |year=2013 |title=Born to be bad: agonistic behaviour in hatchling saltwater crocodiles (''Crocodylus porosus'') |journal=Behaviour |volume=150 |issue=7 |pages=737–762 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255965327 |doi=10.1163/1568539x-00003078}}</ref> The young naturally start to disperse after around 8 months, and start to exhibit territorial behaviour at around 2.5 years old. They are the most territorial of extant crocodilians and, due to their aggressiveness to conspecifics, from the dispersed immature stage on, they are never seen in concentrations or loose groups as are most other crocodilians.<ref>{{cite book |author=Lang, J. W. |year=1987 |chapter=Crocodilian behaviour: implications for management |pages=273–294 |title=Wildlife management: crocodiles and alligators |editor1=Webb, G. J. W. |editor2=Manolis, S. C. |editor3=Whitehead, P. J. |publisher=Surrey Beatty & Sons |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/255965122}}</ref> However, even females will not reach proper sexual maturity for another 10 years. Saltwater crocodiles that survive to adulthood can attain a very long [[maximum life span]], with an estimated life expectancy upwards of 70 years, and some individuals possibly exceed 100 years, although no such extreme ages have been verified for any crocodilian.<ref name="Britton et al. 2012"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Estuarine Crocodile |publisher=UNEP-WCMC |url=http://www.unep-wcmc.org/species/data/species_sheets/crocodil.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010814155251/http://www.unep-wcmc.org/species/data/species_sheets/crocodil.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 August 2001 |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>

While adults have no natural predators, baby saltwater crocodiles may fall prey to [[monitor lizard]]s (occasionally, but not commonly, the numerous [[goanna]] in Australia, and the [[Asian water monitor]] (''Varanus salvator'') further north), predatory fish (especially the [[barramundi]] (''Lates calcarifer'')), [[wild boar]]s, [[rat]]s, various aquatic and raptorial birds (e.g. [[black-necked stork]]s (''Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus'') and [[white-bellied sea eagle]]s (''Haliaeetus leucogaster'')), [[Python (genus)|pythons]], larger crocodiles, and many other predators.<ref name=Messel/><ref name=Leach>{{cite report |author1=Leach, G. |author2=Delaney, R. |author3=Fukuda, Y. |name-list-style=amp |year=2009 |title=Management program for the saltwater crocodile in the Northern Territory of Australia, 2009–2014 |publisher=Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport}}</ref><ref name=Gopi>{{cite journal |author=Gopi, G.V. |author2=Angom, S. |year=2007 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261207960 |title=Aspects of nesting biology of ''Crocodylus porosus'' at Bhitarkanika, Orissa, Eastern India |journal=Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society |volume=104 |issue=3 |pages=328–333}}</ref><ref name=Magnusson/> Pigs and cattle also occasionally inadvertently trample eggs and nests on occasion and degrade habitat quality where found in numbers.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Webb, G. J. W. |author2=Manolis, S. C. |author3=Buckworth, R. |author4=Sack, G. C. |name-list-style=amp |year=1983 |title=An examination of ''Crocodylus porosus'' nests in two northern Australian freshwater swamps, with an analysis of embryo mortality |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=10 |issue=3 |pages=571–605 |doi=10.1071/WR9830571}}</ref> Juveniles may also fall prey to tigers and [[leopard]]s (''Panthera pardus'') in certain parts of their range, although encounters between these predators are rare, and cats are likely to avoid areas with saltwater crocodiles.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Somaweera, R. |author2=Brien, M. |author3=Shine, R. |name-list-style=amp |year=2013 |title=The role of predation in shaping crocodilian natural history |journal=Herpetological Monographs |volume=27 |issue=1 |pages=23–51 |doi=10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-11-00001 |s2cid=86167446}}</ref>

<gallery widths="200px" heights="150px">
File:Hatchling saltwater crocodile.jpg|Saltwater crocodiles go through numerous physiological changes as they mature. Pictured here is a hatchling age or baby crocodile.
File:Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) juvenile (8067785958).jpg|Seen here is a juvenile crocodile, which grows considerably in length over several years but is easily distinguished by slender build and size.
File:Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Gembira Loka Zoo, 2015-03-15 01.jpg|A saltwater crocodile in the subadult age range at Gembira Loka Zoo, similar but not as robust and relatively small-headed compared to adults.
File:Captivated Saltwater Crocodiles of Sundarbans 01.jpg| Juvenile salt water crocodiles at Karamjal Wildlife Breeding center, [[Bangladesh]]
</gallery>

==Conservation status==
[[File:Saltwater crocodile.jpg|thumb|Saltwater crocodile]]
[[File:Large crocodile in park.jpg|thumb|Large saltwater crocodile in [[ABQ BioPark Zoo]]]]

The species is considered of minimal concern for extinction but is protected from the effects of international trade under the [[CITES|Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)]] as follows:
* Appendix I (prohibiting all commercial trade in the species or its parts/derivatives): All wild populations except for those of Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea;
* Appendix II (commercial trade allowed with export permit; import permits may or may not be required depending on the laws of the importing country): Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea wild populations, plus all worldwide populations bred in captivity for commercial purposes.

The saltwater crocodile was often hunted for its meat and eggs, and its skin is the most commercially valuable of any crocodilian. Unregulated hunting during the 20th century caused a dramatic decline in the species throughout its range, with the population in northern Australia reduced by 95% by 1971. The years from 1940 to 1970 were the peak of unregulated hunting and may have regionally caused irreparable damage to saltwater crocodile populations.<ref name= Whitaker2>{{cite book |author=Whitaker, R. |year=1982 |chapter=Status of Asian crocodilians |page=237 |title=Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 5th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Convened at the Florida State Museum, Gainesville, Florida, USA, 12 to 16 August 1980 |editor=Crocodile Specialist Group |publisher=IUCN |location=Gland}}</ref> The species currently has full legal protection in all Australian states and territories where it is found – Western Australia (since 1970), Northern Territory (since 1971) and Queensland (since 1974).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=1774 |title=Crocodylus porosus – Salt-water Crocodile, Estuarine Crocodile |publisher=Environment.gov.au |access-date=8 August 2013}}</ref> Illegal hunting still persists in some areas, with protection in some countries being grossly ineffective, and trade is often difficult to monitor and control over such a vast range. However, many areas have not recovered; some population surveys have shown that although young crocodiles are present, fewer than 10% of specimens spotted are in adult size range and do not include any particularly large males, such as [[Sri Lanka]] or [[Palau]]. This is indicative of both potential continued persecution and exploitation and a non-recovered breeding population.<ref>Gramantez, D. (2008) ''A case study of the Saltwater Crocodile Crocodylus porosus in Muthurajawela Marsh, Sri Lanka – Considerations for conservation''. IUCN- Crocodile Specialist Group.</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Brazaitis, P. |author2=Eberdong, J. |author3=Brazaitis, P. J. |author4=Watkins-Colwell, G. J. |year=2009 |title=Notes on the saltwater crocodile, ''Crocodylus porosus'', in the Republic of Palau |journal=Bulletin of the Peabody Museum of Natural History |volume=50 |issue=1 |pages=27–48 |doi=10.3374/014.050.0103 |s2cid=84984946}}</ref> In a more balanced population, such as those from [[Bhitarkanika National Park]] or Sabah on Borneo, 28% and 24.2% of specimens observed were in the adult size range of more than {{convert|3|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Stuebing, R. B. 1994"/><ref>{{cite book |author=Kar, S. K. |year=1992 |chapter=Conservation, research, and management of estuarine crocodiles ''Crocodylus porosus'' Schneider in Bhitarkania Wildlife Sanctuary, Orissa, India during the last 17 years |pages=222–242 |title=Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 11th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commission convened at Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 2 to 7 August 1992 |volume=1 |editor=Crocodile Specialist Group |publisher=IUCN |location=Gland |chapter-url=http://www.iucncsg.org/365_docs/attachments/protarea/11th-40a1b3c3.pdf}}</ref>

Habitat loss continues to be a major problem for the species. In northern Australia, much of the nesting habitat of the saltwater crocodile is susceptible to trampling by feral water buffalo, although buffalo eradication programs have now reduced this problem considerably. Even where large areas of suitable habitat remain, subtle habitat alterations can be a problem, such as in the [[Andaman Islands]], where freshwater areas, used for nesting, are being increasingly converted to human agriculture. After the commercial value of crocodile skins waned, perhaps the greatest immediate challenge to implementing conservation efforts has been the occasional danger the species can pose to humans, and the resulting negative view of the crocodile.<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cpor.htm |title=Crocodilian Species – Australian Saltwater Crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') |publisher=Flmnh.ufl.edu |access-date=26 December 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Tisdell, C. |author2=Nantha, H. S. |author3=Wilson, C. |year=2007 |title=Endangerment and likeability of wildlife species: How important are they for payments proposed for conservation? |journal=Ecological Economics |volume=60 |issue=3 |pages=627–633 |doi=10.1016/j.ecolecon.2006.01.007 |bibcode=2007EcoEc..60..627T}}</ref>

==Relationship with humans==

===Attacks on humans===
{{See also|Crocodile attack}}
Of all the crocodilians, the saltwater crocodile and [[Nile crocodile]] have the strongest tendencies to treat humans as prey.<ref name=SideleauBritton2012/> The saltwater crocodile has a long history of attacking humans who unknowingly venture into its territory. As a result of its power, intimidating size and speed, survival of a direct predatory attack is unlikely if the crocodile is able to make direct contact. In contrast to [[American alligator|alligators]] where a degree of coexistence may be the policy, the only recommended policy for dealing with saltwater crocodiles is to completely avoid their habitat whenever possible, as they are exceedingly aggressive when encroached upon.<ref name="Guggisberg"/>
[[File:Kakadu 2430.jpg|thumb|upright|No Swimming sign used by [[Parks and Wildlife Commission of the Northern Territory]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/202578/crocodile-management.pdf |title=Crocodile Management |publisher=Northern Territory Government|access-date=6 May 2016}}</ref>]]
Exact data on attacks are limited outside Australia, where one or two fatal attacks are reported per year.<ref name="Caldicott et al. 2005">{{cite journal |last=Caldicott |first=David G.E. |author2=Croser, D. |author3=Manolis, C. |author4=Webb, G. |author5=Britton, A. |title=Crocodile attack in Australia: an analysis of its incidence and review of the pathology and management of crocodilian attacks in general |journal=Wilderness & Environmental Medicine |date=September 2005 |volume=16 |issue=3 |pages=143–159 |doi=10.1580/1080-6032(2005)16[143:CAIAAA]2.0.CO;2 |pmid=16209470 |doi-access=free}}</ref> From 1971 to 2013, the total number of fatalities reported in Australia due to saltwater crocodile attack was 106.<ref>Manolis, S. C., & Webb, G. J. (September 2013). "Assessment of saltwater crocodile (''Crocodylus porosus'') attacks in Australia (1971–2013): implications for management", pp. 97–104 in ''Crocodiles Proceedings of the 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group''. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.</ref><ref name="Caldicott et al. 2005"/> The low level of attacks may be due to extensive efforts by wildlife officials in Australia to post crocodile warning signs at numerous at-risk billabongs, rivers, lakes and beaches.<ref>{{cite book |author=Nichols, T. |author2=Letnic, M. |year=2008 |chapter=Problem crocodiles: reducing the risk of attacks by ''Crocodylus porosus'' in Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory, Australia |title=Urban herpetology |volume=3 |pages=503–511|chapter-url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259471883}}</ref> Less-publicised attacks have been reported in [[Borneo]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/25/asia/AS-GEN-Malaysia-Crocodile-Attacks.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070811033904/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/04/25/asia/AS-GEN-Malaysia-Crocodile-Attacks.php |archive-date=11 August 2007 |title=Rise in Borneo crocodile attacks may be linked to Malaysia's logging, palm oil, expert says |publisher=Associated Press via International Herald Tribune |date=25 April 2007 |access-date=18 August 2010}}</ref> [[Sumatra]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1581715/Woman-saves-daughter-from-crocodile.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1581715/Woman-saves-daughter-from-crocodile.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Woman saves daughter from crocodile |publisher=Telegraph |date=14 March 2008 |access-date=25 July 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> [[East India|Eastern India]] ([[Andaman Islands]]),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.kalingatimes.com/orissa_news/news2/20080505_Two_injured_in_crocodile_attack.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080607221308/http://www.kalingatimes.com/orissa_news/news2/20080505_Two_injured_in_crocodile_attack.htm |archive-date=7 June 2008 |title=KalingaTimes.com: Two injured in crocodile attack in Orissa |date=7 June 2008 |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37003327/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100513062250/http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/37003327 |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 May 2010 |title=Croc kills woman 4 years after her sister's death – TODAY.com |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=5 October 2010 |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref> and [[Burma]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/20/asia/AS-GEN-Myanmar-Crocodile.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517023623/http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/04/20/asia/AS-GEN-Myanmar-Crocodile.php|archive-date=17 May 2008 |title=Crocodile kills man accused of illegal logging in Myanmar wildlife sanctuary |publisher=Associated Press via International Herald Tribune |date=20 April 2008 |access-date=18 August 2010}}</ref> In [[Sarawak]], [[Borneo]], the average number of fatal attacks is reportedly 2.8 annually for the years from 2000 to 2003.<ref name= AttackResearch/> In the [[Northern Territory]] in Australia, attempts have been made to relocate saltwater crocodiles who have displayed aggressive behaviour towards humans but these have proven ineffective as the problem crocodiles are apparently able to find their way back to their original territories.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Walsh, B. |author2=Whitehead, P. J. |year=1993 |title=Problem crocodiles, ''Crocodylus porosus'', at Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory: an assessment of relocation as a management strategy |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=20 |issue=1 |pages=127–135 |doi=10.1071/WR9930127}}</ref> In the [[Darwin, Northern Territory|Darwin area]] from 2007 to 2009, 67–78% of "problem crocodiles" were identified as males.<ref>Delaney, R., Fukuda, Y., & Saalfeld, K. (2009). ''SALTWATER CROCODILE (''Crocodylus porosus'') MANAGEMENT PROGRAM''. Northern Territory Government, Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport.</ref>

Many attacks in areas outside Australia are believed to go unreported, with one study positing up to 20 to 30 attacks occur every year.<ref name= AttackResearch>{{cite web |url=http://iucncsg.org/ph1/modules/Crocodilians/attacks.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090503090108/http://iucncsg.org/ph1/modules/Crocodilians/attacks.html |archive-date=3 May 2009 |title=Crocodile Specialist Group – Crocodilian Attacks |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref> This number may be conservative in light of several areas where humans and saltwater crocodiles co-exist in relatively undeveloped, low-economy and rural regions, where attacks are likely to go unreported.<ref name=SideleauBritton2012>Sideleau, B., & Britton, A. R. C. (2012). "A preliminary analysis of worldwide crocodilian attacks", pp. 111–114 in ''Crocodiles'' Proceedings of the 21st Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. Gland, Switzerland: IUCN.</ref> However, claims in the past that saltwater crocodiles are responsible for thousands of human fatalities annually are likely to have been exaggerations and were probably falsified to benefit leather companies, hunting organisations and other sources that may have benefited from maximising the negative perception of crocodiles for financial gain.<ref name= Guggisberg/><ref name="Wood"/><ref name= AttackResearch/> Despite their reputations, many wild saltwater crocodiles are normally quite wary of humans and will go out of their way to submerge and swim away from them, even large adult males, if previously subject to harassment or persecution.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Webb, G. J. W. |author2=Messel, H. |year=1979 |title=Wariness in ''Crocodylus porosus'' (Reptilia: Crocodilidae) |journal=Wildlife Research |volume=6 |issue=2 |pages=227–234 |doi=10.1071/WR9790227}}</ref><ref>Somaweera, R. & A. de Silva (2013). ''Using traditional knowledge to minimize human-crocodile conflict in Sri Lanka'', pp. 257. In: Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 22nd Working Meeting of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland.</ref> Some attacks on humans appear to be territorial rather than predatory in nature, with crocodiles over two years in age often attacking anything that comes into their area (including boats). Humans can usually escape alive from such encounters, which comprise about half of all attacks. Non-fatal attacks usually involve crocodiles of {{convert|3|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} or less in length. Fatal attacks, more likely to be predatory in motivation, commonly involve larger crocodiles with an average estimated size of {{convert|4.3|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}. Under normal circumstances, [[Nile crocodile]]s are believed to be responsible for a considerably greater number of fatal attacks on humans than saltwater crocodiles, but this may have more to do with the fact that many people in Africa tend to rely on riparian areas for their livelihood, which is less prevalent in most of Asia and certainly less so in Australia.<ref name= AttackResearch/> In the [[Andaman Islands]], the number of fatal attacks on humans has reportedly increased, possibly due to habitat destruction and reduction of natural prey.<ref>Sivaperuman, C. (2014). ''Saltwater Crocodiles in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Special Reference to Human–Crocodile Conflict''. Marine Faunal Diversity in India: Taxonomy, Ecology and Conservation, 453.</ref>

During the Japanese retreat in the [[Battle of Ramree Island]] on 19 February 1945, saltwater crocodiles may have been responsible for the deaths of over 400 Japanese soldiers. British soldiers encircled the swampland through which the Japanese were retreating, condemning the Japanese to a night in the mangroves, which were home to thousands of saltwater crocodiles. Many Japanese soldiers did not survive this night, but the attribution of the majority of their deaths to crocodile attacks has been doubted.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Platt, S. G. |author2=W. K. Ko |author3=M. Kalyar Myo |author4=L. L. Khaing |author5=T. Rainwater |title=Man eating by estuarine crocodiles: the Ramree Island massacre revisited |journal=Herpetological Bulletin |year=2001 |volume=75 |pages=15–18}}</ref> Another reported mass attack involved a cruise in eastern [[India]] where a boat accident forced 28 people into the water where they were reportedly consumed by saltwater crocodiles.<ref name="Wood"/> Another notorious crocodile attack was in 1985, on ecofeminist [[Val Plumwood]], who survived the attack and learned that the advice she had received that crocodiles do not attack canoes was inaccurate.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/highlights/val_plumwood_canoe |title=National Museum of Australia – Val Plumwood canoe |publisher=Nma.gov.au |access-date=25 July 2013 |archive-date=12 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181012174231/http://www.nma.gov.au/collections/highlights/val_plumwood_canoe |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aislingmagazine.com/aislingmagazine/articles/TAM30/ValPlumwood.html |title=Val Plumwood Prey to a Crocodile |publisher=Aislingmagazine.com |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>

In July 2018, a 600-strong mob slaughtered 292 saltwater and [[New Guinea crocodile]]s in Papua province in Indonesia in a revenge attack after a man who encroached upon the sanctuary was devoured.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/animalia/wp/2018/07/16/a-crocodile-killed-an-indonesian-man-so-his-village-slaughtered-nearly-300-crocodiles/ |title=A crocodile killed an Indonesian man — so his village slaughtered nearly 300 crocodiles |first=Cleve R. Jr. |last=Wootson |date=16 July 2018 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref>

===Cultural references===
[[File:Australianstamp 1535.jpg|thumb|upright|1948 postage stamp depicting an Aboriginal artwork of the saltwater crocodile]]
The  saltwater crocodile is considered holy on [[Timor]]. According to legend, the island was formed by a giant crocodile. The [[Papuan people]] have a similar and very involved myth and traditionally the crocodile was described as a relative (normally a father or grandfather).<ref name="Guggisberg"/>

According to [[Wondjina]], the mythology of [[Indigenous Australian]]s, the saltwater crocodile was banished from the fresh water for becoming full of bad spirits and growing too large, unlike the freshwater crocodile, which was somewhat revered.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.australianstamp.com/coin-web/feature/history/abdream.htm |title=Historical Feature – Aboriginal Dreamtime Legends |publisher=Australianstamp.com |date=2007 |access-date=8 August 2013 |archive-date=16 October 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016192334/http://www.australianstamp.com/coin-web/feature/history/abdream.htm}}</ref> Aboriginal rock art depicting the saltwater crocodile is rare, although examples of up to 3,000 years old were found in caves in Kakadu and Arnhem land, roughly matching the distribution of the species. It is however depicted in contemporary aboriginal art.<ref>{{cite journal |author=Fijn, N. |year=2013 |title=Living with crocodiles: engagement with a powerful reptilian being |journal=Animal Studies Journal |volume=2 |issue=2 |pages=1–27 |url=http://ro.uow.edu.au/asj/vol2/iss2/2/}}</ref>
The [[Larrakia people]] think of themselves as crocodile descendants, and regard it as their totem.<ref>{{cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Two decades of fierce determination |url=https://www.oric.gov.au/publications/spotlight/two-decades-fierce-determination|access-date=16 January 2021 |website=Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations}}</ref> They respect crocodiles as protectors of harbours and do not eat crocodile meat.<ref>{{cite news |author=Rawlinson, C. |date=2012 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2012/07/02/3536791.htm |title=Learning Larrakia: totem animal 'Dungalaba' |newspaper=ABC Radio Darwin}}</ref>

The species is featured on several postage stamps, including an 1894 State of North Borneo 12-cent stamp; a 1948 Australian 2 shilling stamp depicting an aboriginal rock artwork of the species; a 1966 Republic of Indonesia stamp; a 1994 Palau 20-cent stamp; a 1997 Australian 22-cent stamp; and a 2005 1 Malaysian ringgit postage stamp.

The saltwater crocodile has featured in contemporary Australian film and television including the ''[[Crocodile Dundee (film series)|Crocodile Dundee]]'' series of films, horror films ''[[Black Water (2007 film)|Black Water]]'' and ''[[Rogue (2007 film)|Rogue]]'' and ''[[The Crocodile Hunter]]'' television series. There are now several saltwater crocodile–themed parks in Australia.{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

===Examples of large unconfirmed saltwater crocodiles===
The largest size recorded for a saltwater crocodile has always been a subject of considerable controversy. The reason behind unverified sizes is either the case of insufficient/inconclusive data or exaggeration from a folkloric point of view. This section is dedicated to examples of the largest saltwater crocodiles recorded outside scientific norms measurement and estimation, with the aim of satisfying the public interest without creating data pollution, as well as serving an educational purpose of guiding the reader to separate fact from possible fiction. Below, in descending order starting from the largest, are some examples of large unconfirmed saltwater crocodiles, recorded throughout history.

* A crocodile shot in the [[Bay of Bengal]] in 1840 was reported at {{convert|10.1|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}. Furthermore, this specimen was claimed to have a belly girth of {{convert|4.17|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} and a body mass estimated {{convert|3000|kg|lb|abbr=on}}. However, the skull of this specimen was examined by Guinness Records and found to be only {{convert|66.5|cm|ftin|frac=4|abbr=on}} in length, indicating the above size was considerably exaggerated and the animal would have probably measured no more than {{convert|5.89|m|ftin|frac=2|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Wood"/>
* James R. Montgomery, who ran a plantation near to the [[Lower Kinabatangan Segama Wetlands]] in [[Borneo]] from 1926 to 1932, claimed to have netted, killed, and examined numerous crocodiles well over {{convert|6.1|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} there, including a specimen he claims measured {{convert|10|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}. However, no one scientifically confirmed any of Montgomery's specimens and no voucher specimens are known.<ref name="Wood"/>
* A crocodile shot in Queensland in 1957, nicknamed Krys the croc (named after the woman that shot the crocodile in July 1957; Krystina Pawlowski), was reported to be {{convert|8.63|m|ftin|frac=2|abbr=on}} long, but no verified measurements were made and no remains of this crocodile exist.<ref>{{cite news |title=Monster croc? Welcome to my nightmare |url=http://www.news.com.au/welcome-to-my-nightmare/story-e6frer76-1225961861480 |newspaper=The Sunday Mail |date=28 November 2010 |publisher=news.com.au |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607045222/http://www.news.com.au/welcome-to-my-nightmare/story-e6frer76-1225961861480 |archive-date=7 June 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Reid |first=Robert |title=Death of a monster |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/health-science/death-of-a-monster/story-e6frg8gf-1111118162303|access-date=2 April 2011 |newspaper=The Australian |date=28 November 2008}}</ref> A "replica" of this crocodile has been made as a tourist attraction.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.giveanaussieago.com.au/towns/Normanton.html |title=QLD – NORMANTON – Home of largest Crocodile ever shot! |publisher=Give An Aussie A Go |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/backyard/stories/s1020946.htm |title=Krys the crocodile, Normanton, Queensland :: Backyard |publisher=abc.net.au |date=6 January 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213125204/http://www.abc.net.au/backyard/stories/s1020946.htm |archive-date=13 February 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/saltwater-crocodile.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070625102719/http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/saltwater-crocodile.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=25 June 2007 |title=Saltwater Crocodiles, Saltwater Crocodile Pictures, Saltwater Crocodile Facts – National Geographic |publisher=Animals.nationalgeographic.com |access-date=25 July 2013}}</ref>
* A crocodile killed in 1823 at [[Jalajala, Rizal|Jalajala]] on the main island of [[Luzon]] in the [[Philippines]] was reported at {{convert|8.2|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}. However the skull of the specimen is {{convert|66.5|cm|in|frac=4|abbr=on}} long indicating an animal of approximately {{convert|6.1|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Wood"/>
* A crocodile shot in [[Odisha]], India,<ref name="underwatertimes1">{{cite web |title=Guinness: India Park Home to World's Largest Crocodile |url=http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=51790108324 |publisher=UnderwaterTimes.com |access-date=30 April 2011}}</ref> was claimed to measure {{convert|7.6|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} in life, but its skull, when given scholarly examination, was thought to have come from a crocodile of a length no greater than {{convert|7|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://crocodilian.com/cnhc/cbd-faq-q2.htm |title=Crocodilian Biology Database. FAQ |publisher=Crocodilian.com |access-date=24 May 2012}}</ref>
* A reported {{convert|7.6|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} crocodile was killed in the [[Hooghly River]] in the Alipore District of [[Calcutta]]. However, examinations of the animal's skull, one of the largest skulls known to exist for the species at {{convert|75|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} long, actually indicating it could have measured {{convert|6.7|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Wood"/>
* In 2006, [[Guinness World Records|Guinness]] accepted a {{convert|7.01|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}, {{convert|2000|kg|adj=on}} male saltwater crocodile living within [[Bhitarkanika National Park|Bhitarkanika Park]] in Odisha. Due to the difficulty of trapping and measuring a very large living crocodile, the accuracy of these dimensions is yet to be verified. These observations and estimations have been made by park officials over the course of ten years, from 2006 to 2016, however, regardless of the skill of the observers it cannot be compared to a verified tape measurement, especially considering the uncertainty inherent in visual size estimation in the wild.<ref name=Bayliss>Bayliss, P. (1987). ''Survey methods and monitoring within crocodile management programmes''. Surrey Beatty & Sons, Chipping Norton, pages 157–175</ref> In addition, this region may contain up to four other specimens measuring over {{convert|6.1|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="underwatertimes1"/><ref name="ohmynews1">{{cite web |url=http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=298369&rel_no=1 |title=World's Largest Reptile Found in India |publisher=ohmynews.com |last=Mishra |first=Braja Kishore |date=14 June 2006 |access-date=13 December 2007 |archive-date=8 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080108203350/http://english.ohmynews.com/articleview/article_view.asp?no=298369&rel_no=1 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* S. Baker (1874) claimed that in [[Sri Lanka]] in the 1800s, specimens measuring {{convert|6.7|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} or more were commonplace.<ref name="Wood"/> However, the largest specimen killed on the island that was considered authentic by Guinness Records was a suspected man-eater killed in the [[Eastern Province, Sri Lanka|Eastern Province]] and measuring exactly {{convert|6|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} in length.<ref name="Wood"/>
*The record size for a crocodile from [[Papua New Guinea]] to be considered authentic by Guinness was a {{convert|6.32|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}} specimen shot by Herb Schweighofer in May 1966 along the northeastern coast. This specimen had a belly girth of {{convert|2.74|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name="Wood"/>

==See also==
* [[Crocodile skin]]
* [[Crocodiles in India]]

== Explanatory notes ==
{{NoteFoot}}

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Wikispecies|Crocodylus porosus}}
{{Commons category|Crocodylus porosus}}
* [http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/Documents/recreational_fishing/fact_sheets/fact_sheet_estuarine_crocodile.pdf Fisheries Western Australia – Estuarine Crocodile Fact Sheet]
* [http://www.australianextremes.com Saltwater crocodiles in freedom: Authentic pictures and descriptions]
* [http://saltwatercrocodiles.homestead.com/ Comprehensive Saltwater Crocodile web site unique information, plentiful images and video presentations]
* [http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/abritton.html Saltwater crocodile calls] from Dr. Britton's [http://www.crocodilian.com crocodilian.com] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708204615/http://www.crocodilian.com/ |date=8 July 2011 }})
* Brief [http://dml.cmnh.org/2001May/msg00788.html discussion] ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120102606/http://dml.cmnh.org/2001May/msg00788.html |date=20 November 2011 }}) from Dr. Britton and others discussing [[dromaeosaurid]] intelligence
* {{cite web |url=http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/tetrapod-zoology/saltwater-crocodile-crocodiles-part-iii/ |title=The Saltwater Crocodile, and all that it implies (crocodiles part III) |author=Naish, D. |work=Scientific American |series=Tetrapod Zoology |year=2012 |access-date=12 June 2015}}

{{Crocodilia|C.}}
{{Crocs}}
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[[Category:Apex predators]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:Crocodiles of Australia]]
[[Category:Crocodilians of Asia]]
[[Category:Crocodilians of New Guinea]]
[[Category:Crocodylidae]]
[[Category:Extant Zanclean first appearances]]
[[Category:Fauna of Palau]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Lesser Sunda Islands]]
[[Category:Marine crocodylomorphs]]
[[Category:Pliocene reptiles of Asia]]
[[Category:Quaternary reptiles of Asia]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1801]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Borneo]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Brunei]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Cambodia]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Fiji]]
[[Category:Reptiles of India]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Indonesia]]
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[[Category:Reptiles of Southeast Asia]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Sri Lanka]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Thailand]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the Philippines]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the Solomon Islands]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Vietnam]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Western Australia]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider]]