The experiment was thrillingly simple. Three estuarine giants of the species C. porosus were captured at certain abundant spots in Queensland, transported to new locations by helicopter and net sling and released. Irwin and his colleagues tracked their movements back to the capture spot via satellite (the first time satellite telemetry was used in a published study on crocs).
They seemed confused, if that word can be used, upon release, according to the paper, spending a time "making random movements" around the release site, between 10 and 108 days. Eventually something clicked and all three crocs moved on, making a veritable beeline for their capture spot by water.
The distances these crocs traveled is astounding. One even circumnavigated most of the Cape York Pennisula (its journey pictured below), traveling 411 km to return to its capture site.
It's bittersweet to read about the man's post humus scientific work, even more so than all of the montages and tributes shown on Discovery and Animal Planet. In my mind, experiments like these are what made Irwin tick; testing the limits of his beloved crocs to show the world not only what they're capable of, but also how they made him feel.
Cheers, Steve. We miss you.
