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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Donna Lu

Swine dining: crocodiles are thriving in the NT and it could be because of feral pigs

A saltwater crocodile in Kakadu national park. Research suggests the reptiles have been eating feral pigs in the NT in recent decades.
A saltwater crocodile in Kakadu national park. Research suggests the reptiles have been eating feral pigs in the NT in recent decades. Photograph: Caroline Berdon/AAP

The exponential increase in saltwater crocodile populations in the Northern Territory in recent decades may be partly a result of them preying on feral pigs, new research suggests.

Scientists who have analysed the diets of saltwater crocodiles in the Territory believe the reptiles have shifted from marine prey to predominantly terrestrial food sources in the last 50 years – driven specifically by an abundance of feral pigs.

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