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If you thought bullying was confined to the school yard, think again.

Dr Sally Isberg believes that some crocodiles are also being bullied. Not surprisingly, the ‘bullies’ are other crocodiles.

A senior research scientist at Porosus Pty Ltd, Dr Isberg has been studying the social interactions that take place between commercially-raised crocodiles.

Despite their fearsome reputation, some farmed crocodiles never thrive.

“Under commercial-raising conditions, some animals appear never to adjust and become anorexic which can eventually lead to death,” she said.

“We call these animals ‘runts’, and they account for about half of the deaths in commercial operations.”

With skins valued at around $500 each, runt mortalities represent a substantial financial loss for crocodile farmers.

It is not clear why ‘runtism’ occurs; however, stress, brought on by crocodile bullies, could be a possible cause.

Dr Isberg will use her award to investigate why some crocodiles cannot adjust to life in a commercial operation.

“Two areas of research that have been neglected are the social interactions between crocodiles and also their hormone levels,” she said.

“The award will enable me to measure the hormone levels related to aggression, growth and stress in farmed crocodiles to determine whether there are any notable differences between normal growing animals (the potential bullies) and runts.

“If we can find ways to overcome runtism in farmed crocodiles, survival rates will increase, generating greater returns for farmers, and ensuring the economic sustainability of this emerging industry.”