As the weather starts to warm up in Queensland, crocodiles are looking for love.<\/p>\n
In the wild, they’re crossing rivers, coastlines and creeks to find new territory ahead of breeding season.<\/p>\n
But at the Koorana Crocodile Farm, in central Queensland, it’s more reality television dating show than nature documentary, with keepers working out the best pairings \u2014 and emotions are running high.<\/p>\n
“We’ve got a saltwater croc here called Duke and he challenges every male,” farm owner John Lever said.<\/p>\n
“Him and Fitzroy [another male] had a bit of a stoush through the fence and tore through it; and when you get two 500-kilo crocodiles it makes a hell of a mess.”<\/p>\n
Duke was relocated after he demonstrated territorial behaviour towards his neighbour.\u00a0 (Supplied: Koorana Crocodile Farm)<\/p>\n
Duke has now been placed in isolation and will remain there until he calms down.<\/p>\n
And that means his girlfriend will need to choose a different mate.<\/p>\n
Mr Lever said Duke’s territorial behaviour was typical for males at this time of year, particularly if he has love on the mind.<\/p>\n
“He’s producing hormones, he’s very territorial and going to challenge any other male,” he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Staff at the croc farm work to replace the fence Duke damaged. (ABC Capricornia: Freya Jetson)<\/p>\n
Finding the right match is ‘crucial’<\/p>\n
Crocodile matchmaking can be precarious as they don’t always get along.<\/p>\n
“We put them in a pen with two water areas and a fence between them, so they can communicate,” he said.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
A fence separates this male and female crocodile while they get to know each other. (ABC Capricornia: Freya Jetson)<\/p>\n
“Once we see them smooching, we pull the fence down and observe to make sure they’re getting on fine.<\/p>\n
“If you don’t pair them in the right way, you can start losing crocs.”<\/p>\n
Loading…More to learn about croc behaviour<\/p>\n