Fake original

I've got to hand it to them, it's quite a neat Photoshop job.

But that's not really the point of this post. What I'd like to draw attention to is just how remarkably dangerous these jumping crocodile cruises are becoming. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with the principle of showing tourists wild crocodile behaviour when it's done safely and responsibly, especially considering that crocodiles need all the good publicity they can get. Indeed, some of the licensed cruises who've been doing this for years have strict rules about safety. But the above photo is a fine illustration of how not to do it right, and it's certainly not an isolated incident. I've seen what happens when crocs next to boats slam their jaws sideways into the railings or gunnels. All it takes is for someone to be leaning over the edge like this photographer is doing, or simply to be resting their hand or arm on the top of the railing, and if the croc decides not to play nice then a tourist who doesn't appreciate what these animals are capable of is going to lose more than their pride. If that happens then the Adelaide River's famous jumping crocodiles will very likely become a thing of the past.

You don't want your unique, endemic species anymore?

This kind of story is tragic and sad, but typical of the problems faced with conservation of crocodiles. The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is considered perhaps the most endangered of all the species, with less than 100 individuals remaining in the wild and considerable pressure on its remaining habitat. Yet there are now estimated to be 7,000 Philippine crocodiles in captivity, more than enough to help replenish wild populations before they disappear forever. The problem is getting permission to release them. It seems nobody in a position to grant this permission wants any Philippine crocodiles released back into the wild, based on unfounded fears that these crocodiles may start to kill people (there has not been a single documented attack by a Philippine crocodile on a human recorded). There has always been confusion in the Philippines between the Philippine crocodile and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) and the admittedly rare attacks by the latter species have unfortunately also tarred the reputation of the former.

Yet it should be clear to anyone in the Philippines of the value of crocodiles to their country, on a week after the world's largest saltwater crocodile was captured and placed into captivity for the purposes of tourism and education about crocodiles. Perhaps those same officials who refuse to consider releasing an endemic and unique crocodile, a species that should be a source of national pride for their country (and international derision should it be allowed to disappear forever), should read their own newspapers and realise how important (and valuable) crocodiles can be for a country that is lucky enough to still have them.

Aussie Boy's Body Found in Croc

The remains of a 5-year-old boy who vanished while playing near a flooded Australian river have been found inside a crocodile, reports AP. The stomach contents of a 14-foot croc captured in the Daintree River confirmed the giant reptile consumed the boy, who disappeared while playing with his dog and brother in a mangrove swamp. The killer animal will be sent to a crocodile farm or zoo, officials said.

Hermes Breeds Crocs to Skin for Handbags

Newser) – Fashion mainstay Hermes is now maintaining its own crocodile farms in Australia to provide skins for its handbags, Reuters reports. “The world is not full of crocodiles, except the stock exchange!” the French company’s CEO joked, feebly. Hermes’ leather-accessory line, which accounts for 40% of company business, has been the most successful in the economic downturn and has had to add employees.

Hermes produces 3,000 crocodile bags a year, and its exotic-skin bags can fetch nearly $50,000. “It can take three to four crocodiles to make one of our bags, so we are now breeding our own crocodiles on our own farms, mainly in Australia,” added CEO Patrick Thomas. “We cannot face demand. We have massive over-demand. We are limited by our ability to train new craftsmen.”

Cops Seize Mafia Don's 'Croc Weapon'

Italian police have confiscated a crocodile they suspect was used by a Mafia boss to persuade people to cough up protection money. The gangster invited extortion victims to his home and threatened to set the crocodile on them if they didn't pay up, investigators say. He has has been charged with illegal animal possession. The croc has been sent to an animal rehabilitation center in Rome.

Crocs Know Their Names, Open Up on Call

(Newser) – Two crocodiles at a British aquarium have been taught to recognize their own names, a feat that works with mammals in captivity but rarely with reptiles. “They are very intelligent and started responding to their names in just a few days,” the zoo’s manager tells the Telegraph. The crocs’ keepers manage the training by rewarding their charges with food when they react correctly.

“As well as enabling us to approach them and inspect and treat any potential health issues it will also allow us to set up tasks and foraging exercises for them to mimic the types of behavior they would have to use in the wild,” the manager continues. The crocs, Paleo and Suchus, have also been trained to open their mouths in anticipation of feeding. The aquarium plans “enrichment activities” for the pair once fully trained.

Crocodiles Can Surf: Scientists

Newser) – Crocodiles use their bodies as a sort of surfboard to travel vast distances on the open ocean, scientists have found. Researchers studying the territorial habits of the saltwater crocodile in Australia made the surprise discovery that the crocs, who are poor swimmers, used knowledge of river currents to ease their journey, LiveScience reports.

They fitted some with satellite trackers, and found that many crocs made trips of more than 30 miles regularly, out to the river mouth and even on to the ocean, where they traveled around a network of nearby islands. The animals are amazingly patient—one waited for four days in a sheltered bay for currents that would see him through a dangerous strait. Scientists still don't know why they make these long journeys, though some speculate their movements may give them access to migrating fish.