Crocodiles, part of the ancient order of crocodilians, are the largest living reptile in the world. Other crocodilians include alligators, caimans, and gharials. They are closely related to birds and dinosaurs and have been around since before the dinosaurs went extinct. Crocodiles are thick-skinned, snouted, scaly, and cold-blooded animals. The largest species of crocodile, the saltwater crocodile, can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters) and weigh up to 2,200 pounds (1,000 kilograms). Crocodiles have around 60 sharp teeth on average, which are replaced in waves, and a crocodile can go through 8,000 teeth in their lifetimes. Crocodiles have long, massive tails and short, webbed feet. They are found on every continent besides Europe and Antarctica. Since they are cold-blooded, they enjoy warm regions near the water.
Crocs Vs. Alligators
There are a few differences between crocodiles and alligators, though the species are similar. One difference is found in their jaw shape. Crocodiles have a V-shaped snout, and alligators have a U-shaped snout. Another difference is in habitat, crocodiles have glands in their mouth that can get rid of excess salt, so they can survive in saltwater habitats. Alligators don’t have these glands, so they live in freshwater habitats. In addition, the fourth tooth on the bottom jaw of crocodiles sticks outside the snout when it’s closed. In alligators, the tooth is not visible.
Diet and Hunting
Crocodiles are carnivores. They feed on just about any meat they can find. Crocodile bites are strong, and they apply a closing pressure of 5,000 pounds per square inch, so they can bite through just about anything. They eat frogs, birds, fish, and crustaceans. Some larger species eat mammals, including monkeys, water buffalo, pigs, and others. Crocodiles don’t chew their food and instead, they swallow it whole, or they bite off large chunks of it and swallow it. They store fat in their tails, so crocodiles can go months between meals. Though, if they haven’t eaten in a while, they can eat half their body weight in one meal. Crocodiles are opportunistic hunters. Due to their form, they can keep their eyes, ears, and nose above water while the rest of their body is submerged. This position makes it easy for them to find prey rather stealthily. Once they catch their prey, they will submerge it underwater until it drowns.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
After mating occurs (in the water), the female crawls onto land and makes a nest. Either she digs a hole in the sand, or she’ll make a mound of plant material and soil. Once the hard-shelled eggs are laid, the female will keep watch over them until they hatch. After the gestation period of 55 - 110 days, the eggs will hatch. Warmer temperatures during incubation will produce more female babies, and cooler temperatures will produce more males. They often make noise from inside the eggs to signal that they are ready to hatch. The mother might assist them by moving things out of the eggs’ way or by gently opening up the eggs herself. After the eggs hatch, the mother will look after them for several months. Crocodile babies can swim when they hatch, but they sometimes swim into their mother’s mouth for protection from predators. The babies will reach sexual maturity at age 4 - 15. Some species of crocodiles live for around 30 years, while others live to be 70 years old.
Conservation
Crocodiles have outlived a lot of things, but humans are their biggest challenge yet. Some species of crocodiles are critically endangered. Some species of crocodilian were once endangered and, through regulation, have now been restored. Crocodiles are hunted for their meat and eggs, and their skin is desired for purses, shoes, boots, and more. Crocodiles sometimes attack and eat humans (though not very often, and most species are relatively harmless), and for this reason, they are seen as man-eaters. Due to this reputation, people don’t like or have empathy for crocodiles.
