The New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) is a small species of crocodile found on the island of New Guinea.

Characteristics

Crocodylus novaeguineae grows to a length of up to 3.5 m (11 ft) for males and 2.7 m (8.9 ft) for females, although most specimens are rather smaller. The body is grey-brown in colour, with dark brown to black markings on the tail. The snout is pointed and relatively narrow during juvenile stages and becomes wider as the animal matures. It bears a physical similarity to the nearby Philippine crocodile (C. mindorensis) and Siamese crocodile (C. siamensis). C. mindorensis was once held to be a subspecies (C. novaeguineae mindorensis) of the New Guinea crocodile, but is now considered to be separate.

Distribution and habitat

The primarily nocturnal crocodile is to be found in the freshwater swamps and lakes of New Guinea, particular in the interior. Although tolerant of saltwater, it is rarely to be found in brackish coastal waters, and never in the presence of the competing saltwater crocodile (C. porosus). Two populations of C. novaeguineae are known on the island, separated by a mountain range; DNA analysis has revealed these to be genetically separate populations.

References

• "New Guinea Crocodile". Crocodilians. Retrieved 2006-10-15.