05-10-2022, 02:56 PM
The saltwater crocodiles declined in numbers because they were killed for their skins. In 1971 there were around 3000. Now there are over 100,000.
Banning hunting of the crocodiles gave them a chance. It seems there is another reason for their comeback. Australia is having a problem with feral hogs.
The saltwater crocodiles started eating the feral hogs. Studies show that the crocodiles have benefited from their new diet choice. Now they need to study how this is effecting the feral hog population.
https://www.popsci.com/environment/croco...eral-hogs/
This could be a case of solving two problems at once. The saltwater crocodiles are now thriving and the feral hog population finally has a predator.
One of the problems with the feral hogs around the world is the lack of natural predators in area where they have become invasive. It is not good for a species to just take over. The crocodiles are solving that problem and increasing their own numbers as well. Hopefully they will create a balance that is sustainable for the ecosystem.
Banning hunting of the crocodiles gave them a chance. It seems there is another reason for their comeback. Australia is having a problem with feral hogs.
The saltwater crocodiles started eating the feral hogs. Studies show that the crocodiles have benefited from their new diet choice. Now they need to study how this is effecting the feral hog population.
https://www.popsci.com/environment/croco...eral-hogs/
This could be a case of solving two problems at once. The saltwater crocodiles are now thriving and the feral hog population finally has a predator.
One of the problems with the feral hogs around the world is the lack of natural predators in area where they have become invasive. It is not good for a species to just take over. The crocodiles are solving that problem and increasing their own numbers as well. Hopefully they will create a balance that is sustainable for the ecosystem.