Quick answer
IUCN status: Least ConcernSaltwater crocodile at a glance
The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a reptile in the family Crocodylidae. Range in Indonesia: Rivers, estuaries and coasts in parts of the Indonesian archipelago. Diet: animals; carnivore; a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern. It is a legally protected species in Indonesia (Regulation P.106/2018).
| Scientific name | Crocodylus porosus |
|---|---|
| Indonesian name | Buaya muara |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Crocodylidae |
| Range in Indonesia | Rivers, estuaries and coasts in parts of the Indonesian archipelago |
| Linked habitats | Mangroves, Freshwater Wetlands |
| Other name | Estuarine crocodile |
| Water types | Salt, brackish, and fresh |
| Food | Animals; carnivore |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · IUCN Red List (via GBIF) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Legal protection in Indonesia | Protected · Regulation P.106/2018 · annex no. 706 |
| Adult length | Average 3–5 m; largest reliably measured female 4 m · Australian Museum — Estuarine crocodile |
| Clutch size | Up to 71 eggs (average about 50), hatching after 2–3 months · Australian Museum — Estuarine crocodile |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — predator (fish, waterbirds, mammals) and scavenger · Ecology Asia |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · Reptile Database |
| Venom or poison | Not venomous · SeaLifeBase: Crocodylus porosus species summary |
| Active | Nocturnal (active at night) — It will also hunt by day when an opportunity arises, and often basks by day. · Estuarine Crocodile - The Australian Museum |
In this guide (11)
Its name does not limit its habitat
Saltwater crocodiles occur in fresh as well as salt water. An inland river is therefore not automatically free of crocodiles because it is distant from the sea. Use local site information and authority guidance when planning activities near water.
A body suited to aquatic life
Eyes and nostrils sit high on the head, while bony plates reinforce the skin. A small portion of the head may be visible while the body remains submerged. Do not approach to confirm the size or identity of a crocodile.
Evidence: Australian Museum — Estuarine crocodile ↗ · Northern Territory Government — Crocodiles ↗
Movement extends beyond one location
The Australian Museum summarises Northern Territory research in which some relocated crocodiles returned to capture locations. This local result supports caution, not a guarantee that every crocodile follows the same route. Capture and relocation require authorised personnel and expert planning; do not attempt them yourself.
Basic principles in crocodile habitat
Be Crocwise guidance emphasises never approaching, disturbing, or feeding crocodiles, including small ones. Avoid leaving fish scraps or food beside the water. This Australian guidance supplies general principles; Indonesian site authorities determine local access and response arrangements.
Reports that protect people and wildlife
If one appears near community activity, inform site managers or conservation authorities through official channels from a safe place. Provide timing and location without gathering a crowd. This profile provides biological context, not capture methods or instructions for confronting an attack.
Explore related habitats
These habitat relationships are supported by species sources in this guide. This is not a complete range map.
Scientific classification of the Saltwater crocodile
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Crocodylia |
| Family | Crocodylidae |
| Genus | Crocodylus |
| Species | Crocodylus porosus |
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology (for example class Reptilia).
Common questions about the saltwater crocodile
What is the scientific name of the saltwater crocodile?
The scientific name of the saltwater crocodile is Crocodylus porosus, in the family Crocodylidae. In Indonesian it is called Buaya muara.
What kind of animal is the saltwater crocodile?
The saltwater crocodile is a reptile in the family Crocodylidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a predator (fish, waterbirds, mammals) and scavenger.
Where does the saltwater crocodile live in Indonesia?
In Indonesia, this guide records the saltwater crocodile in: Rivers, estuaries and coasts in parts of the Indonesian archipelago.
Source-supported habitats: Mangroves, Freshwater Wetlands.
What does the saltwater crocodile eat?
Diet of the saltwater crocodile: animals; carnivore. That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: Ecology Asia.
How does the saltwater crocodile reproduce?
The saltwater crocodile reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: Reptile Database.
Is the saltwater crocodile venomous?
No. The saltwater crocodile is not venomous. Not venomous, but very dangerous: saltwater crocodile attacks on people happen every year. Source: SeaLifeBase: Crocodylus porosus species summary.
Do not catch, handle or disturb wild animals. If bitten, stung or exposed to its toxins, go to the nearest health facility straight away.
Is the saltwater crocodile nocturnal?
The cited source records the saltwater crocodile as nocturnal (active at night). It will also hunt by day when an opportunity arises, and often basks by day. Source: Estuarine Crocodile - The Australian Museum.
See also the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia.
How big is the saltwater crocodile?
Adult length: Average 3–5 m; largest reliably measured female 4 m. Source: Australian Museum — Estuarine crocodile.
What is the scientific classification of the saltwater crocodile?
Scientific classification of the saltwater crocodile: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Crocodylia, family Crocodylidae, genus Crocodylus, species Crocodylus porosus.
Source: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy, adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.
Is the saltwater crocodile endangered?
No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the saltwater crocodile is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: IUCN Red List (via GBIF), checked 1 October 2026.
This global category is separate from national legal protection. Is the saltwater crocodile protected in Indonesia?
Is the saltwater crocodile protected in Indonesia?
Yes. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a protected species in Indonesia under Environment and Forestry Ministerial Regulation No. P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 on protected plant and animal species (annex, entry 706).
Since Law No. 32 of 2024, conservation of crocodiles in aquatic habitats falls under marine and fisheries regulation. Marine Affairs and Fisheries Ministerial Decree No. 66 of 2025 gives the saltwater crocodile limited protection: wild animals 80–165 cm or over 220 cm long may not be caught, and none may be taken from the wild in Java and Bali.
Article 21(2) of Law No. 5 of 1990, as amended by Law No. 32 of 2024, prohibits anyone from hunting, catching, injuring, killing, storing, owning, keeping, transporting or trading a protected animal, alive or dead, including its body parts, eggs and nests.
If you see this animal being traded, kept or injured, contact the local BKSDA office.
Can the saltwater crocodile be kept as a pet?
No. Because the saltwater crocodile is a protected species, catching, owning, keeping, transporting or trading it without a permit is prohibited by law. Trading without a permit through electronic media is also prohibited.
If you see this animal for sale or being kept, report it to the local BKSDA office.
Compare with similar animals
Sources & references
- Australian Museum — Estuarine crocodile ↗
- Northern Territory Government — Crocodiles ↗
- Northern Territory Government — Be Crocwise ↗
- Peraturan Menteri LHK Nomor P.106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018 tentang Jenis Tumbuhan dan Satwa yang Dilindungi ↗
- Ecology Asia ↗
- Reptile Database ↗
- SeaLifeBase: Crocodylus porosus species summary ↗
- GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF) ↗
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, version 2026-1, via GBIF (CC BY 4.0) ↗
References can change. Check dates and context in the original source. How we use sources and data →
National parks where it is recorded
According to the official national park profiles from the KSDAE directorate. The animal may also live elsewhere.
Further reading
Saltwater crocodile: facts, threats and conservation ↗ — World Animal Rescue Network.
Related site: PanduanHewan’s founder is also a director of World Animal Rescue Network.
Cite this page
Credit PanduanHewan when referring to this page. Check the original evidence sources before reusing a claim.
PanduanHewan. Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Last substantive update: 7 October 2026. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/saltwater-crocodile/