Survival and growth of hatchling Crocodylus porosus in saltwater without access to fresh drinking water.

It has been suggested that C. porosus select nest sites which provide a source of freshwater for hatchlings during the dry season. From a mark-recapture study, we conclude that hatchling C. porosus can survive and grow in hyperosmotic saltwater without drinking freshwater. Hence, the siting of nests is unlikely to be the consequence of a requirement by hatchlings for freshwater. Considered along with other information, our observations imply that hatchling C. porosus have functional salt glands.