Page 127 - World of Animals - Book of Sharks & Ocean Predators

Saltwater crocodiles
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The powerful

reach for prey

Saltwater crocodiles are well known for
their high-speed lunge from the water
to the shore, but they can also perform
this rapid strike in the air. Their tails are
incredibly muscular and they can generate
enough power to propel themselves
vertically out of the water.
This technique is most often used
by juveniles to hunt insects, but adult
saltwater crocodiles are known to jump
to catch birds and even pull animals from
overhanging branches. Some lighter
crocodiles can clear the surface entirely,
becoming airborne as they catch their prey.

2-3 metres

Leaping at speed
Saltwater crocodiles
can leap two to three
metres out of the water
at incredible speeds of
around ten metres per
second (around 22 miles
per hour).

Perfectly formed scales
The scales on the underside
of a crocodile’s abdomen
are regularly shaped and
arranged in a uniform pattern
to minimise friction.

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