Greg the Crocodile, officially named Greg Norman, is a notable individual animal recognized for his long-term participation in a major scientific research project. He is one of the most frequently monitored wild crocodiles in Australia. His sustained presence in the study provides researchers with valuable data, making him a significant contributor to the world’s understanding of his species and conservation science.
Defining Greg: Species and Physical Profile
Greg Norman is a male estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), commonly known as a Saltwater Crocodile. This species is the largest living reptile and an apex predator throughout its range in Northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific. Greg’s size has been meticulously recorded over many years as part of the ongoing research program.
When Greg was first tagged in 2009, his measured length was 3.68 meters (about 12 feet, 1 inch). By 2024, measurements taken during his recapture showed a substantial increase in size, reaching 4.36 meters (approximately 14 feet, 4 inches). This impressive growth confirms him as a large, mature male of the species, though his exact age remains unknown.
The History That Made Him Notable
Greg’s notoriety stems directly from his role in the world’s largest and most comprehensive crocodile tracking study, managed by Australia Zoo and the University of Queensland. He was first captured, tagged, and released on August 17, 2009, marking the beginning of his scientific contribution. The initial procedure involved fitting him with an acoustic tracker, a small device surgically implanted near the armpit that transmits a signal.
The team has successfully recaptured and released Greg a total of three times since his initial tagging, an unusual feat for a wild crocodile of his size. Each recapture allows researchers to collect morphometric measurements, along with blood and collagen samples for isotopic analysis to determine his diet. His most recent capture in August 2024 was notable because he was fitted with a large satellite transmitter. This advanced GPS technology allows researchers to track his precise movements across his territory, providing crucial data about these secretive predators.
His Territory and Current Status
Greg Norman resides in the wild waterways of Far North Queensland, specifically within the Wenlock River system. This river runs through the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve on Cape York Peninsula. The reserve is a protected wilderness area encompassing over 335,000 acres, which serves as the base for the extensive crocodile research and provides a vast habitat for the estuarine crocodile population.
The Wenlock River is lined with more than 60 hydrophone receiving stations that log acoustic signals from 277 tracked crocodiles, including Greg. His movements, recorded through the acoustic tags and the new satellite tracker, are an ongoing source of information for scientists studying seasonal movement patterns and habitat use. This long-term monitoring provides insights used to better manage the co-existence between people and the wild reptile population in Northern Australia.