Crocodiles surf the ocean - study
08 Jun 10
Poor swimmers they may be, but crocodiles are expert surfers, according to new research which explains how they have been able to colonise islands separated by vast expanses of sea.
Salt-water or estuarine crocodiles - the world's largest living reptiles - are found in rivers, mangrove swamps and estuaries throughout islands in the Indian and Pacific ocean.
The 'salties', as they are known in Australia, are powerful animals that can grow up to 20ft long.
The new study, published in the Journal of Animal Ecology, analysed satellite data relating to the movements of 27 adult crocodiles tagged with sonar transmitters over a period of one year.
Experts found that estuarine crocodiles can journey hundreds of miles out into the sea by riding ocean currents in the same way as surfers catch waves.
Both males and females of the species understood long-distance journeys, often travelling more than 50 kilometres (31 miles) from their river homes to the open sea.
One 12.5ft male, travelled a distance of 590 kilometres (367 miles) in 25 days, timing its journey to coincide with seasonal currents. A second, measuring over 16ft, covered more than 411 kilometres (255 miles) in just 20 days utilising fast-moving ocean currents.
Among the team of scientists was the late Steve Irwin, the crocodile expert and TV personality who was killed by a stingray in 2006.
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