Summary
It has been suggested that C. porosus select nest sites which provide a source of freshwater for hatchlings during the dry season. From a mark-recapture study, we conclude that hatchling C. porosus can survive and grow in hyperosmotic saltwater without drinking freshwater. Hence, the siting of nests is unlikely to be the consequence of a requirement by hatchlings for freshwater. Considered along with other information, our observations imply that hatchling C. porosus have functional salt glands.
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Grigg, G.C., Taplin, L.E., Harlow, P. et al. Survival and growth of hatchling Crocodylus porosus in saltwater without access to fresh drinking water. Oecologia 47, 264–266 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00346830
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00346830