Ahoy friends,
Did you know that Australia has two different types of crocodile? Yup, it’s true…a “freshie” and a “saltie.” My favorite is the one that likes to creep around in salt water called an estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). I thought that you all might like to know a little more about this salty dog, so I rang him up for a little one on one conversation.
Marcella: Allo, Saltie…how are you doing?
Saltie: Marcella is that you?
Marcella: Yes, Saltie can you hear me?
Saltie: Yes, that’s better! The connection isn’t great here in the swamps of Queensland…everything sounds a little muddy to me.
Marcella: Saltie, I wanted to ask you a few questions. I hear you are a real big fish over there in Australia….
Saltie: Well, I’m definitely no fish, but I am the largest of all living crocodilians and reptiles. I hold the title of Heavy Weight Champion 16 years running.
Marcella: Wow, so how big are you exactly?
Saltie: I am bigger than a Komodo Dragon - snout to tail I’m about 7 metres long and weigh in at around 3000 pounds. I take after my father who was about 8.5 metres long. Unfortunately he was shot in 1957 and made into a tourist attraction.
Marcella: I am sorry to hear about your Dad, Saltie.
Saltie: No worries about my Dad. I am surrounded by a huge supportive family of about 200,000. You should see the chaos of the CROCODYLIDAE FAMILY REUNION, totally insane!
Marcella: So Saltie, why are you called a “saltie?”
Saltie: Well I am very territorial as you know, but when I was just a little guy I hung out mostly in fresh water. As I became a little more independent in my adolescence I sojourned farther from home into saline waters. Nowadays I move between fresh and salt water depending if it is the rainy or dry season.
Marcella: I was wondering how fast can you move in that mud?
Saltie: I can get to speeds of about 28km an hour, but my cruising speed is around 3km an hour. I am not an easy lizard to wrangle!
Marcella: I bet! What are you planning on wrangling for your lunch today?
Saltie: Well if things go my way I will settle for a kangaroo, a dingo, a shark or any large domestic livestock that wanders into my muzzle.
Marcella: I know this is a little awkward to ask you considering we are good friends and everything…but what is your view on man eating?
Saltie: I don’t have anything against humans at all! Sometimes humans come poking around and then things get a little ugly. I have to tell you that you humans are a lick to beat, especially those of you who are always putting up those “WARNING” signs. You know Marcella, it is a fact that more people are killed by vending machines than crocs like me?!
Marcella: Wow, that is really interesting! I should go Saltie, I don’t have much time left on my phone card. Thanks a million for your time and all the very valuable information.
Saltie: Anytime, Marcella, anytime. Oh, and make sure to check out my next explosive attack…Saltie vs. Muddy on Pay Per View. I’m gonna kick Muddy’s butt, so place your bets high.
Marcella: Will do Saltie. Bye for now.
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