The truth about crocodiles | David and Jo White | Solar Whisper

Think you know a thing or two about crocodiles? You might know that they're big and carnivorous. You might know that they come in salt and fresh water varieties (not entirely accurate). You might even know where to find one, and what its reaction is likely to be if you poked it on the nose.But when you think about it, how much do you know about their social behaviour, peculiar habits and importance to the ecosystem? Did you know that they pre-date the dinosaurs? Did you know that the language we use to describe them may affect their conservation status? Did you know that First Nations people have always had a harmonious, symbiotic relationship with them, and could teach us a lot about their nature?This week on the podcast, I am speaking with David White and his wife, Jo, the owner-operators of Solar Whisper Wildlife and Crocodile Cruises on the Daintree River. For the past 20 years, Dave and Jo's quotidian routine has been to visit and watch crocodiles on the Daintree River. They do so with their solar-powered boats, and bring a group of tourists along with them each time. As well as an operator of an eco-tourism business, Dave sees his role as an educator - to bring about greater knowledge of the wildlife native to Far North Queensland, particularly the Indo-Pacific crocodile (salt water crocodile/estuarine crocodile). Dave takes the time to educate me on the nature and habits of salt water crocodile, as well as their vital importance to the ecosystem. He talks me through the crocodiles' greatest threats which, both interestingly and disturbingly, are attributable, in part, to the insidious language used to describe them.We recorded this episode while floating on the Daintree River at dusk, so you will hear plenty of bird noises over the audio. Dave tells many stories of his encounters with the local crocodiles — all of whom have their own names and quirks — and does so with a good deal of humour.I hope you enjoy, and come to realise how good these humans really are.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To find out more about Dave and Jo's work and business: solarwhisper.comSolar whisper on social media: @SolarWhisper on Facebook, @solar_whisper on InstagramBe crocwise videos resources (mentioned in interview): becrocwise.nt.gov.au/education-and-resources/teaching-and-learning-kits/resourcesPodcast artwork: two baby crocodiles ride on the back of their mother, Lizzie, a Daintree River crocodile who was illegally killed in May 2023. Picture: David White Bob Katter soundbite was sourced from:"Let there be a thousand blossoms bloom!" Bob Katter on same-sex marriageABC News (Australia)Youtube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i739SyCu9I