Reptiles
New Guinea Crocodile
Crocodylus novaeguineae
In a sago swamp in Papua New Guinea, a New Guinea crocodile slides into the black water, its dark back disappearing among the floating leaves.
Overview
The New Guinea crocodile, Crocodylus novaeguineae, is a Least Concern freshwater crocodile of the swamps, rivers, and lakes of lowland rainforest on the island of New Guinea. Its dark colour and close kinship to the rare Philippine crocodile make it an important piece of the crocodile family tree.
A crocodile of the swamps
The New Guinea crocodile prefers still, tree-shaded freshwater, where fish, frogs, and waterbirds are plentiful.
Status
Least Concern, widespread across a large range.
New Guinea Crocodile: common questions
How big is the New Guinea crocodile?
It grows to around 3.5 metres long, and is darker and more olive than many other crocodiles.
What is its closest relative?
The rare Philippine crocodile is a close relative, though the two live on different islands.
Does it live in saltwater?
No, it lives in freshwater swamps, rivers, and lakes and rarely goes into saltwater.
Where does the New Guinea crocodile live?
It lives in swamps, rivers, and lakes of lowland rainforest on the island of New Guinea.