AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION 25 March 06 Transmitters reveal crocs' territorial nature
A crocodile-tracking experiment in the Northern Territory has found saltwater crocodiles are even more territorial than previously thought.
New satellite technology is being used to study the movements of more than 20 large adult crocodiles, which have had transmitters put around their necks.
Wildlife Management International chief scientist Charlie Manolis says that so far most of the reptiles have stayed within a two kilometre stretch of river, but some have ventured further afield before returning home.
"It's something that we didn't expect," he said.
"We thought once they left the river that they'd just keep going but they're clearly not doing so."
Mr Manolis hopes the experiment will help with crocodile management.
"Male salties get big, they're potentially dangerous," he said.
"It's good to know potentially when these animals may .. decide to move up into [inhabited] areas or just their general movement patterns."
Transmitters reveal crocs' territorial nature