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| A Hungry Saltwater Crocodile |
KAKADU, AUSTRALIA: The saltwater crocodiles
have changed little since the time of the dinosaurs. Their stealth, patience,
and explosive bite put them in a category of their own when it comes to the
survival of the fittest. Their heartbeat can slow to just two beats per minute
allowing them to stay under water for up to three hours before pouncing on
their prey. Without the slightest qualm they’ll eat their offspring or any
other crocodile that appears their weaker. Only one in a thousand crocodile
eggs will survive to adulthood. “At that
rate,” our guide told us, “You have
to be tough even to survive.” Crocodiles can live up to seventy years, grow
to 22 feet, and weigh over two ton. Thousands abound in the rivers,
flood planes, and billabongs around Darwin. They are also grown commercially
for their leather and meat. A crocodile belt costs $150 in Darwin. On the way
to the Kakadu National Park, our guide took us to the Adelaide River to observe
these awesome beasts in action. From our boat, he would dangle pieces of meat
in front of a lurking crocodile, which, of course, couldn’t resist and would
leap high out of the water to snatch even a small morsel of meet. Stories of
crocodiles killing humans abound. Just a month ago outside Darwin, a crocodile
devoured a nine-year-old boy. In another case, one attacked a boy, ripping off
his arm. The boy’s friend came to help and was eaten. Two days later they found
the few pieces of what remained of him. I might be wrong, but could it be that
the Australians’ resilience and tough no-nonsense attitude has a lot to do with hostile
environment in which they live? “Only a
fool could be eaten by a crocodile,” is the unsympathetic response of the
Australians I talked to.
