Wildlife | Reptile
Image by Lance Anderson, Unsplash
Introduction of Crocodile
Crocodiles are large semiaquatic reptiles.
They are amphibious, meaning they can survive in water and on land.
Crocodiles are considered apex predators because they don't have any natural predators.
They have robust bodies, strong jaws, and high speed.
They can swim at a speed up to 35 KM per hour.
Crocodiles usually live in swamps, freshwater rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They are sometimes also found on seas.
The crocodile is a protected animal under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identifies 23 known species of the crocodile. Of these, 7 are listed as Critically Endangered, 4 as Vulnerable, and 12 as Least Risk.
Some species of crocodiles are more aggressive than others.
Scientific Name of Crocodile
Crocodylus
Some of the well-known species are; Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus), Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), etc
Physical Description of Crocodile
Crocodiles have a streamlined body structure, which helps them swim faster in water by reducing water resistance.
The large species of crocodiles can be over 5 or 6 metres long and can weigh over 1,200 kg. Saltwater Crocodiles are the largest among other and can grow up to 7 meters.
The male crocodiles grow faster and larger compared with female crocodiles.
The webbed feet allow them to manoeuvre swiftly in water.
Their jaw is lined with multiple conical teeth and the pupils are vertical and slit-shaped.
Crocodiles have 80 teeth. These are regenerated around 50 times in the lifetime of a crocodile.
The shape of the eyes is similar to many nocturnal animals.
They have a long tail.
Their skin is thick and has scales all over.
The body is shaped in such a manner that the eyes, ears, and nostrils can remain above water while the rest of the body stays submerged.
Life Cycle of Crocodile
Generally, the lifespan of crocodiles is 35-70 years. However, it varies between subspecies. Nile Crocodile can live up to 80 years whereas Alligators live up to 60 years.
Crocodiles get matured sexually by the time they turn 10 years old.
A female can lay up to 48 eggs and the incubation period is 55-100 days. These eggs are hard-shelled and may weigh 50-160 gm.
The temperature of the incubating eggs during the first half of the incubation determines the sex of the embryo.
The embryo may creak while still in the egg to indicate that it is ready to hatch.
Characteristics of Crocodile
Crocodiles are nocturnal animals and have very good night vision.
Although they are known to travel distances of many kilometres over land, they spend the majority of their time in the water.
Crocodiles have been known to kill humans on rare occasions. However, this fact varies on geography. Nile Crocodiles are very aggressive and have a reputation for killing humans more frequently. Worldwide they are killing more than 1000 humans every year.
The scales surrounding their mouths have pressure sensors that can detect vibration.
By moving their muzzles sideways, crocodiles can swallow aquatic animals in their jaws.
Crocodiles are cold-blooded animals and regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun and going to cooler water.
Crocodiles use vocalisations to communicate with others.
There are many different squeaking and grunting sounds that young animals and adults make.
With a bite force of 3,000 pounds per square inch, crocodiles have incredibly strong jaws.
Female crocodiles are loving mothers.
Their eggs are rolled in their mouths to aid the hatching process, unlike most other reptiles, the crocodile mother takes great care of their nests.
Until they can swim on their own, crocodile mothers carry their newborn offspring to the water and shield them from predators.
Crocodiles are known for cannibalism. This process helps in controlling the crocodile population in the Wild.
A crocodile can hold their breath for up to one hour.
Crocodiles have the most acidic stomach among other vertebrates, they also sallow small stones to improve their digestion.
Diet of Crocodile
Crocodiles are carnivorous.
Adult crocodiles can live up to one year without food.
Crocodiles ambush their prey while hunting.
Younger crocodiles eat insects, small fishes, frogs, snails, etc. As they grow older, they start feeding on mammals and larger fishes.
