Read Dr. Britton's responses on the following croc topics:
Crocodile Predators
Crocodile Speed
Croc/Human Interaction
Crocodile Size
Crocodile Hunting
Crocodile Defense
Alligators vs. Crocodiles
Crocodile Mothering
Crocodile Infections
Crocodile Bites
Crocs in Water
Croc Body Heat
The Crocodile Heart

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Q: On Crocs in Water

How long will a croc live if it has no water?

Tom

A: Everyone associates crocodiles with water, which naturally they need to survive — young juveniles in particular need regular access to fresh water. However, adult crocodiles can live for many months without water if necessary. Several species, such as Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) and Australian freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni), have to endure long dry seasons, when available water holes and rivers dry up into a dusty wasteland for three or four months.

How do they survive? Well, they have two choices — the first is to find larger bodies of water that haven't dried up, and for that they have to migrate overland. They usually move at night when it's cooler, but they can often be seen walking at dawn and dusk. The distances they move can be quite considerable — several kilometers over a few days, for example. Smaller individuals are more susceptible to dehydration, but even larger crocodiles can only survive a certain period without water, so the best course of action is finding some quickly.

However, some crocodiles choose to sit out the dry season in burrows or overhanging banks. This is called "estivation," and it's similar in principle to hibernation except it is motivated by hot and dry conditions rather than cold and wintry conditions. The objective is the same — saving energy in order to survive a hostile environment where there is little available food or water. Unlike hibernating animals, estivating crocodiles are still warm and hence continue to use up energy and water, so in theory they should use up their water reserves much faster.

Of course, crocodiles being crocodiles, this simply isn't a problem for them. Despite having a relatively high metabolic rate (the rate at which energy and water are used) while estivating, they can easily tolerate three or four months without food or water. That's quite a feat! So to answer your question, larger crocodiles can go for up to four months without water as long as they're not active. However, you can be sure they're pretty thirsty when the rains finally arrive!

More Expert Talk Did you know that crocs cough up hairballs like cats? Listen to our audio interview with Dr. Adam Britton.