Suitability of two Habitats in Northern Australia for the Release of Hatchling Crocodylus porosus from Artifical Nests*

Abstract

Numbers are reported of hatchling crocodiles from artificial nests that could be located at various periods up to 80 days after release into two habitats in the Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers system. None of the animals released into clear upstream areas could be located after 30 days, but hatchlings were still present in the turbid downstream sections at 35 and 80 days after release. This is thought to result from differential mortality. The rate of disappearance of hatchlings from both habitats was greater than that reported for those from natural nests in the same system, suggesting that more work needs to be done before artificial incubation of eggs can be accepted as a viable means of restocking rivers.