Saltwater crocodiles are as comfortable in small freshwater creeks and swamps as they are in the brackish mouths of large rivers or far out to sea.
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The saltie was historically widespread throughout South East Asia but hunting pressure and habitat loss have resulted in it becoming extinct throughout much of its range.
The Australian crocodile population, however, has recovered since protection in 1971 and has returned to pre-colonial numbers.
Of all the members of the crocodilian family it is the least likely to become globally extinct due to its widespread distribution and the success of the Australian saltwater crocodile conservation program.
In the Top End you should expect to find saltwater crocodiles in any waterway at any time.
One common and very much incorrect misconception is that you will be aware of, or be able to spot, a resident saltie particularly if it is in a small waterhole.
Saltwater crocodiles are perfectly camouflaged. The green, yellow, brown and black markings on their skin blend, making them almost invisible against almost any backdrop.
They are also the world champions in a particularly deadly game of hide and seek.
They can stay submerged for relatively long periods and when they do surface, they float with only their eyes and nostrils exposed letting them approach prey undetected.
A highlight of my recent visit to Croker Island was a trip out onto the floodplain surrounding the Minjilang community.
There was just one tiny waterhole remaining on the floodplain, right out in the middle and surrounded by a few hundred metres of dry cracked mud in all directions.
The waterhole was only a metre or so across and on first inspection, it seemed to be empty.
As we very gingerly approached, just a little closer, a three and a half metre saltwater crocodile slowly emerged from the mud, peering at us and we became aware that the last waterhole on the floodplain was very much occupied.
Our mate in the mud served as a great reminder that saltwater crocodiles can survive even in the smallest waterholes, waiting out the dry season.
They will defend their tiny territory fiercely and have been known to walk long distances overland to find an alternative water source if it dries up completely.
Stay alert and be crocwise when you are around any waterway, no matter how small.
Always remember that your nearest neighbour may be the last croc on the plain.