Download the QWildlife app on World Crocodile Day
Issued: 17 Jun 2021
The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is acknowledging World Crocodile Day by thanking everyone who has downloaded the department’s QWildlife CrocWatch app.
Director Northern Wildlife Operations and Threatened Species Operations Lindsay Delzoppo said the QWildlife app helped keep people to stay safe in ‘Croc country’ by providing wildlife officers and the public with real-time information about crocodile sightings.
“It is great to see the QWildlife app is being so well received and it allows people to include photos or videos of crocodiles with their sighting reports, providing they can obtain those images without placing themselves in danger,” Mr Delzoppo said.
“The app also allows people in Croc country to view the most up-to-date information about crocodile sighting reports, find the locations of declared problem crocodiles, and access Crocwise public safety information.
“As part of the Queensland Government’s 2021-22 Budget, DES was allocated continuing funding of $3 million per year to deliver its estuarine crocodile management program.
“This will allow DES to continue to respond to each crocodile sighting report, remove problem crocodiles from waterways and deliver Crocwise safety messaging to the public.
“Wildlife officers from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service can also continue to conduct scientific research to help improve its crocodile management practices.
“In recent years, research by our scientists and wildlife officers has led to the development of a new technique using drone technology to capture and remove problem crocodiles.
“We are currently researching the use of sonar technology to detect crocodiles in day and night-time conditions.
“Our well-established crocodile management program strives to help people to stay safe in Croc country, while also seeking to conserve viable crocodile populations in the wild.”
To download the QWildlife app, please visit the app store. The QWildlife app is available for use on iPhone, Samsung and android phones.
Estuarine crocodile fast facts:
- The species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ under the Nature Conservation Act 1992
- They can't digest animal fur or chitin (such as crab and crayfish shell), so these materials form into a ball in their stomach and are then regurgitated
- The bodies of crocodiles are covered with many fine spots that act as tiny movement sensors, which they use for detecting the slightest movement of their prey in the water
- Australia’s crocodile is the world’s largest – capable of growing up to 6m long and weighing in at over 1000kg
- They have the most powerful bite of any animal, but the muscles that open their jaws are weak and their jaws can be held shut with duct tape
- Crocodiles deliberately swallow stones to help maintain buoyancy.