Cruising the Currents: Observations of Extra-Limital Saltwater Crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus Schneider, 1801) in the Pacific Region
Dirk Spennemann
Abstract
Saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) are known to leave their home range and to visit and eventually colonize offshore islands. Being good swimmers, coupled with an ability to go for a prolonged period without food, allows saltwater crocodiles to cover long open water voyages of 2000 km and more. Drawing on modern observations, historic data, and oral traditions, this paper compiles and critically examines all available evidence for vagrant crocodiles in the Pacific Ocean area. The modes of dispersal, as well as potential dispersal success, are discussed.
Topics & Concepts
CrocodylusBiological dispersalGeographyRange (aeronautics)FisheryEcologyCrocodileBiologyEngineeringPopulationDemographyAerospace engineeringSociologyMarine animal studies overviewIchthyology and Marine BiologyPaleontology and Evolutionary Biology