Predation by the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) on sea turtle adults, eggs, and hatchlings

摘要: Abstract This paper describes predation tactics used by the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) on flatback (Natator depressus) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles nesting beaches in northern Australia. For adult turtles, crocodiles both a sit-and-wait tactic which they attacked turtle at water's edge after it completed an active hunting strategy followed tracks into dunes to attack nest sites. Saltwater also hunted hatchlings excavated consumed eggs. The protection of Australia starting early 1970s has led increased population sizes greater proportion larger individuals. likely resulted rates over several decades, should be considered as important mortality component for some tropical aggregations.