The story of how the crocodiles of Australia were saved is long and complex, and what follows is the merest glimpse of its essence. Australia contains two rather contrasting species of crocodiles. One on the one claw we have the endemic Australian freshwater crocodile, Crocodylus johnstoni. This species is considered relatively harmless, yet the slender snout armed with 68 to 72 needle-sharp teeth is well-equipped to deliver a nasty bite to anything that swims past those glowering, watchful eyes. In fact, "freshies" (as they're colloquially known) have jaws which are ideally suited to dealing with slippery fish, yet this species is not so particular, and during the wet season, dines on a varied and abundant menu of lizards, frogs, small mammals and even the occasional bird. Of course, the name "freshwater crocodile" tells us much about its preferred habitat, yet despite this predilection for less saline bodies of water, freshies are physiologically capable of venturing quite a way down tidal river systems towards the sea. Physiologically, that is. In reality, freshies have competition, and that competition is bigger, badder and more aggressive -- the formidable saltwater or estuarine crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, the subject of this story.

Saltwater crocodiles, or "salties," are found throughout the tidal river systems and permanent water bodies in northern Australia, extending over 150 km (90 miles) inland in some areas. Despite their name, salties are equally at home in freshwater, but their tolerance for saline conditions finds them swimming frequently around the coastline, where they have even been observed riding the surf onto the beach. More adventurous individuals will strike out to sea, and have been found hundreds of kilometers from the nearest land. This sea-faring ability has spread their influence far and wide throughout southeast Asia, where they have become an integral part of the cultural heritage of many different peoples, with numerous tales revolving around their gigantic size. In fact, when both length and mass are considered, saltwater crocodiles are prime contenders for the title "largest living reptile." Wild stories and unconfirmed reports are many, from a 33 ft (10 meter) crocodile in the Bay of Bengal to a 27 ft (8.1 meter) crocodile in the Staaton River in Queensland. Actual measured individuals of extremely large size are much rarer, although one of the largest saltwater crocodiles recorded was found in the Mary River just outside Kakadu National Park in the early 70s. This large male was 20.3 feet long (6.2 metres) and weighed well over a ton. Rumors of larger animals lurking in Kakadu are still common today, and whether they are true or not, there is no doubt that these gigantic creatures still inspire fear and at least a little respect in all who wish to witness their mighty presence.

Throughout history, many human cultures have tried to defeat their mythical dragons, and crocodilians are some of the most recent victims. The status of crocodilian populations around the world reached its nadir in the second third of the 20th century, and unprecedented levels of persecution found the seemingly invincible river dragons starting to disappear.