Animal navigation

[bixaorellana]

Looking at the ways non-humans transverse the globe, our human senses are tempted to say "impossible!"

There are new findings about the salt-water crocodile showing that these huge creatures use surface ocean currents to cross huge distances:

One satellite-tagged crocodile ... traveled 366 miles (590 km) over 25 days, timing its journey to coincide with a seasonal current system that develops in the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Another croc ... traveled more than 255 miles (411 km) in only 20 days through the Torres Straits... When the reptile arrived at the straits, the currents were moving opposite to his direction of travel - he then waited in a sheltered bay for four days and only passed through the straits when the currents switched to favor his journey.

Click on the italic text to read the full story, which also addresses the evolution of the salt-water crocodile.

[hwinpp]

Them saltwater crocs are real monsters!

[bixaorellana]

Avoid brackish estuaries!


This guy is shrimpy at a mere 4.8 meters. That's a satellite transmitter on his back. The reason he looks tired is because he traveled more than 590 km by sea.


Here is the article that goes with the picture. (very similar to the one in the OP)

[hwinpp]

They've even got it in German now.

The thing about these crocs is that they could be anywhere! Even in little billabongs that have been cut off from a river.

I never went swimming in the mangrove forests, too scared.

[tod2]

The clever Warthog navigates the bush by keeping it's tail erect so all the family can follow.


photos.app.goo.gl/FtZtThrpKP4kxtseA