Fauna
Reptiles
To date, 117 species of reptiles have been recorded in Kakadu. Being cold blooded, these animals rely on heat from an external source such as the sun to regulate their body temperature. This is not to say that reptiles are active only during the day; in fact, few snakes can withstand Kakadu's midday heat and most are active at night. Always encourage use a torch and wear covered shoes at night.
A variety of reptile species inhabit the park, among them 11 types of turtle and tortoise, 11 goanna or monitor species, 37 skink species and 36 species of land snakes. Only four of the snakes are considered potentially lethal to humans-the taipan, the death adder, the king brown and the western brown.
The crocodile is perhaps the reptile of most interest to visitors. Two species of crocodile occur in Kakadu: the freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnstonii) and the estuarine, or saltwater, crocodile (C. porosus). Freshwater crocodiles are easily identified by their narrow snout and a single row of four large 'scutes' (dermal plates) immediately behind the head. Estuarine crocodiles do not have these scutes and their snout is broader. The maximum size for a 'freshie' is 3 metres, whereas a 'saltie' can exceed 6 metres.
Common or notable reptile species
- Arafura file snake Acrochordus arafurae Na-wandak
- Flatback turtle Chelonia depressa Lumbybugan (Limilngan language)
- Estuarine crocodile Crocodylus porosus Ginga
- Freshwater crocodile Crocodylus johnstonii Gumugen
- Frill-necked lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii Narlangak
- Gould's goanna Varanus gouldii Galawan
- Long-necked turtle Chelodina rugusa Al-mangiyi
- Merten's water monitor Varanus mertensi Burarr
- Olive python Liasis olivaceus Alngurruhmanj
- Pig-nosed turtle Carettachelys insculpta Warradjan
- Rough Knob-tail Gecko Nephrurus asper Belerrk