Three homesick crocodiles in Australia have shocked experts by walking 250 miles back ‘home’ after being relocated.
The discovery was made after tracking devices were attached to the reptiles, reports The BBC.
Saltwater crocodiles caught near popular Australian beaches and rivers are often shipped to more remote areas.
But the policy of relocating rogue crocodiles will now be questioned – since it seems the animals have a strong homing instinct.
Researchers said the results of their study were "staggering".
"We often thought crocodiles tired very quickly but here we show very clearly that they are capable of moving long distances for days on end," added Professor Craig Franklin, from the University of Queensland.
One large croc was trapped on the west coast of Queensland’s rugged Cape York Peninsula.
It was flown by helicopter to the east coast. Within three weeks it was back home, after a journey of more than 250 miles.
Other crocodiles in the experiment did exactly the same. They were, according to one scientist, just like boomerangs.
Professor Franklin added: "Crocodiles are more closely related to birds than they are any other reptile so they are possibly using navigation systems similar to birds."
Via: Digg
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