WADEYE, Australia, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Fierce saltwater crocodiles and poisonous cane toads are threatening freshwater crocodiles in Australia's Northern Territory, researchers said.
The number of freshwater crocs has decreased since the late 1990s in some rivers around the port of Wadeye, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported Monday.
The smaller, more timid, freshwater crocs are being muscled out in some parts of the territory by saltwater crocs, which are the world's largest reptiles and grow to average length of 13 feet.
Saltwater crocs arguably are Australia's most dangerous animal, while freshwater crocs, which average about 5 feet in length, are not known for attacking people or other larger mammals, Australian conservationist Sandy Boulter told the BBC in a story published Monday.
The freshwater crocodiles also are being harmed by toxic cane toads, which thrive in the region and have become part of the crocs' diet.
"One or two sizable cane toads can kill quite a sizable freshwater crocodile," Boulter said.
