The names were given by explorers, who didn't know the difference
between crocodiles and alligators. I think much of the detailed survey
work round the Top End was done by John Lort Stokes, who commanded
"H.M.S.Beagle" after Captain Fitzroy retired - and who named Port Darwin
after his former ship-mate Charles. (There is a good book about this
expedition called "Mariners are Warned" by Marsdan Horden. Well worth
reading.)
I don't think the sailors were great on zoology, because they were
very alarmed by mobs of Flying-foxes, which they referred to as "Vampires".
Anthea Fleming
On 20/07/2012 10:18 AM, Chris Lloyd wrote:
I am not sure it is relevant but we saw a raucous group of about five flying
around the South Alligator last Tuesday week.
Off topic but why, after we succeeded in overthrowing US imperialism with
Kokoda Track (nee Trail) and Christidis and Boles have corrected our Latin
declensions, do we tolerate all these rivers with names from the Louisiana
bayous? East Crocodile River anyone?
Chris Lloyd
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