Habitat of crocodiles. Who is a crocodile? Description of a crocodile for children. A country where crocodiles live better than people
The superorder Crocodylomorpha (crocodile-like) appeared on Earth approximately 220-230 million years ago in the late Triassic period, that is, at about the same time as the dinosaurs. Directly detachment of crocodiles (Crocodilia) appeared at about 84 million years ago. Thus, crocodiles lived side by side with dinosaurs for many millions of years. However, while the dinosaurs died out, crocodiles are alive and well to this day.
Crocodiles are the most highly developed among the entire class of modern reptiles, and they are also, of all reptiles, the closest relatives of dinosaurs and, no matter how strange it may seem, birds.
In our time, the detachment of crocodiles has 23 species, divided into 3 families and several genera. The following is a list of all modern crocodiles with brief description and classification.
Family true crocodiles (Crocodylidae):
Saltwater, Saltwater, or Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)- is considered the largest of modern crocodiles. Some extremely large adult males reach 7 meters in length. Often goes to the open sea, thanks to which he deserved one of his names. The combed crocodile lives in Southeast Asia and in the northern part of Australia.
Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) comparable in size to the combed crocodile, although on average it is slightly inferior to it in length. Usually the maximum length of males is about 6 meters. Distributed in Africa.
Marsh, or Indian crocodile, or mager (Crocodylus palustris) also a very large crocodile, with a body length of about 4 to 5 meters. The swamp crocodile has a very wide muzzle, which makes it look a bit like an alligator. Distributed throughout India, including neighboring countries.
Sharp-nosed or American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) belongs to the largest species. In rare cases, males of this species can reach about 6 meters. The basis of his diet is all kinds of waterfowl (most often fish). Sometimes it also attacks small mammals.
The sharp-snouted crocodile lives in the northern part of South America, Central America, and in the southern United States.
African narrow-nosed crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) lives in Central and West Africa. The length of crocodiles of this species is usually about 2.5 meters, but sometimes it can reach 4.
Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) distributed in Colombia and Venezuela. A very large crocodile. The dimensions are about the same as those of the sharp-snouted crocodile, which it also resembles with its narrow snout.
Johnston's crocodile, or Australian narrow-nosed crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) pretty small crocodile. The maximum length is about 3 meters, usually only 2. Distributed in northern Australia.
Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) lives, as the name implies, in the Philippine Islands. This is a small crocodile, whose maximum length is no more than 3 meters.
Central American crocodile, or Morele crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) also relatively small. Males usually reach about 3 meters in length. Distributed in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) lives in New Guinea and Indonesia. The maximum length of males is approximately 3.5 meters.
Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) lives, respectively, in Cuba. This is a medium sized crocodile. Their length averages about 3.5 meters, but occasionally reaches 5 meters.
Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) lives in Southeast Asia, in countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei, etc. The length is about 3-4 meters.
Blunt or African pygmy crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) distributed in West and Central Africa. The length is less than two meters. The maximum recorded length of a blunt-nosed crocodile is 1.9 meters (according to some sources).
Alligator family (Alligatoridae):
Mississippi, or American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) competes with the black caiman for the title of the largest member of the Alligatoridae family. The length of adult males is usually 4-4.5 meters, but in exceptional cases, according to some sources, it can reach more than 5 meters. The jaws are strong and wide. Distribution: southern United States.
Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) together with the Mississippi alligator, it represents the genus Alligator. It is the only member of the Alligatoridae family found in the Old World. The usual length of Chinese alligators is about 2 meters.
Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger), along with the Mississippi alligator, is the largest representative of its family (according to some experts, the largest). The usual length of black caimans is about 4 meters, but according to some sources, sometimes these caimans grow up to 6 meters. Like all other caimans, the black caiman is distributed in South America, in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, etc.
Crocodile or Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus) distributed in Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, etc. The length of the crocodile caiman is usually 2-2.5 meters.
Broad-faced caiman (Caiman latirostris) distributed in the northern part of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay. The maximum length of this species is approximately 3.5 meters.
Paraguayan or Yakar caiman (Caiman yacare) reaches 2.5-3 meters in length. Distributed in the southern part of Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay, and also in southern Bolivia.
Cuvier's dwarf or smooth-faced caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) lives in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, etc. This little caiman is about 1.5-1.6 meters long, making it the smallest member of the Crocodylia order.
Schneider's dwarf or smooth-faced caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus) actually, if you think about it, not so dwarf. The usual length of these caimans is approximately 1.7-2.3 meters, and occasionally it can reach 2.6 meters in length.
Gavial family (Gavialidae):
Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) has the most specific appearance among modern crocodiles. Until recently, it was considered the only representative of the gavial family (Gavialidae) that survived to this day. However, recently scientists have come to the conclusion that the false gharial is also a member of this family.
The gharial is one of the largest crocodiles in the world. In length, it, as a rule, is not inferior to such monsters as combed and Nile crocodiles. However, its long and thin jaws, studded with thin and long teeth, are suitable only for catching fish, which is the basis of the gharial's diet.
The gharial lives in India, Nepal, Pakistan and neighboring countries.
Gharial crocodile, pseudo-gharial, or false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii), as the name implies, is very similar to the gharial. For a long time, scientists considered it to be a representative of the crocodile family (Crocodylidae), and its resemblance to the gharial was convergence. However, at present, zoologists bring it closer to the gharial and place it in the same family as the Gavialidae.
The maximum length of a false gharial is about 5 meters. Lives in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Photo:
Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). 
Swamp, or Indian crocodile, or mager. (Crocodylus polustris). 
Sharp-snouted, or American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). 
African narrow-nosed crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus). 
Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius). 
Johnston's crocodile, or Australian narrow-nosed crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni). 
Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis). 
Central American crocodile, or Morele crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii). 
New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae). 
Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer). 
Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis). 
The blunt-nosed or African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis). 
Mississippi, or American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). 
Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis). 
Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger). 
Crocodile or Spectacled Caiman (Caiman crocodilus). 
Broad-faced caiman (Caiman latirostris). 
Paraguayan or Yakarsky caiman (Caiman yacare). 
Cuvier's pygmy caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus). 
Schneider's pygmy caiman (Paleosuchus trigonatus). 
Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus). 
Gharial crocodile, pseudo-gharial, or false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii). 
The main difference between an alligator and a crocodile is the shape of their nose (muzzle). Alligators have a U-shaped nose, while crocodiles have a V-shaped nose. There are also some pretty amazing differences within each species of these animals. Below are just ten examples of the strangest, rarest and most unusual alligators and crocodiles in the world.
10 - Mecistops cataphractus
African narrow-nosed crocodile (Slender Snouted Crocodile)
While its snout is not as unusual as some of the other reptiles on this list, it is still quite distinctive. These are usually medium-sized crocodiles, but they can still grow up to 3 to 4 meters.
9 - Crocodylus suchus
West African crocodile (Desert Crocodile)
It was this type of crocodiles that was most often found in mummified form inside Egyptian tombs and burial grounds. This is also the same view as depicted on the Bust of Sobek, the Egyptian crocodile god!
8 - Alligator sinensis
Chinese alligator (Chinese Alligator)
Believe it or not, there are only two known living species of alligators in the world! The first is the much larger one, the American alligator (which we will see later), and this one is the Chinese alligator, which is much smaller and more charming. This rare prehistoric beast is one of the smallest alligator species in the world. And also the owner of the most charming muzzle!
7 - Crocodylus siamensis
Siamese crocodile (Siamese Crocodile)
The Siamese crocodile is considered one of the least studied crocodilians in the world. It is also on the verge of extinction. Unfortunately, it may already be too late to observe them in their natural habitat.
6 - Paleosuchus palpebrosus
Cuvier's dwarf caiman
Despite the fact that this crocodile could be the world's smallest crocodile species, given its body length of 1.2 meters as an adult, it's safe to say that they are still quite large.
5 - Alligator mississippiensis
american alligator 
As mentioned above, in comparison with the Chinese alligator, the American one is much larger.
The average length of adults is up to 3 m for females and up to 4.5 m for males.
4 – Leucistic Alligator
White Alligator (Albino) 
It is believed that there are only 12 such alligators in the world. By, this is just an ordinary American alligator who was born an albino.
3 - Crocodylus porosus
Saltwater crocodile (Estuarine Crocodile)
Although this photo turned out to be a trick, using a special camera angle and not the actual size, some saltwater crocodiles can grow to over 6 meters! This is an extremely large crocodile.
2 - Osteolaemus tetraspis
Blunt-nosed crocodile (African Dwarf Crocodile)
He may look charming, but do not forget that his body length is 180 centimeters. In addition, his neck, back and tail are thoroughly protected. In addition, he is also very dangerous.
1 - Gavialis gangeticus
Gangetic gharial (Gavial Crocodile)
Gharial is a long-nosed crocodile that loves fish. It is also one of the longest crocodiles in the world. Their body length can reach 6.25 meters!
Crocodiles are semi-aquatic predators, belong to the order of aquatic vertebrates and are considered the largest individuals of the group of reptiles. There are more than twenty species in the order of crocodiles, among which are the caiman and the alligator. These cold-blooded animals live in tropical and subtropical latitudes, regardless of the continent: they can be seen in America, Africa (the largest is the Nile crocodile), Asia and Oceania (the largest crocodile in the world lives here - combed).
Crocodiles appeared more than 250 million years ago and are direct descendants of dinosaurs (a subclass of archosaurs).
True, their ancestors were larger: their length reached thirteen meters. one more interesting fact about crocodiles is that over the past millennia this species has changed little outwardly, and therefore, being closer to dinosaurs than to modern reptiles, its representatives are unique animals that give some idea of what the ancient inhabitants of our planet looked like.
Crocodiles have a common land ancestor with birds. They are even, in some features of their internal structure, much closer to birds than to reptiles.
Description
Having adapted to the water, the crocodiles also acquired the appropriate form: their head is flat, with a very long muzzle, the body is flattened, and the legs are very short. The fingers are interconnected by swimming membranes (there are five of them on the front paws, four on the hind paws: the little finger is missing).
The eyes of the reptile are located on the head in such a way that only the eyes and nostrils are visible above the surface (this makes it possible for them to remain unnoticed by prey). When the animal goes under water, its nostrils and ears are closed with valves, and the eye has a third transparent eyelid, thanks to which the reptile sees perfectly underwater and does not experience any difficulties. Since the mouth of crocodiles, due to the lack of lips, does not completely close so that water does not enter the stomach, the entrance to the esophagus, when the animal is in the water, is blocked by a palatine curtain.
The elongated shape of the body makes it possible for the reptile to perfectly maneuver in the aquatic environment, and the animal uses a flat and strong tail instead of a motor organ. The length of the reptile, depending on the species, ranges from one and a half to six and a half meters. The largest crocodile of the captured and measured reptiles belongs to the combed ones: its length is 6.4 meters, it weighs more than a ton and lives in the Philippine Islands.
But the smallest crocodile lives in the west of equatorial Africa: the length of a land crocodile ranges from one and a half to two meters.
The greenish-brown color of the reptile helps it perfectly camouflage in the water. Depending on the temperature of the environment, the skin of a reptile is able to change color (the hotter, the greener it is). Crocodile skin covered with durable horn plates rectangular shape, which hold tightly throughout the life of the reptile: unlike many reptiles, crocodiles do not shed, and their skin grows with the body (they grow throughout their lives).
Reptile Temperature
Like all reptiles, crocodiles are cold-blooded animals, and their body temperature is between 30 and 35 degrees. Although the body temperature of these reptiles depends on water and air, it still differs from their performance. Unlike many freshwater, the crocodile has a four-chambered heart (however, when leaving the ventricles, arterial blood rich in oxygen partially mixes with venous blood, where there is little oxygen).
The horny plates on the skin of a crocodile heat up during the day and collect heat, which allows you to maintain a metabolism for quite high level. Therefore, the temperature of the predator, regardless of the time of day, is almost always the same (in summer, its fluctuations are about 1 ° C, in winter - 1.5 ° C, in small animals - about 5 ° C).
They should also not be confused with warm-blooded representatives of the animal world, since their own metabolism maintains a constant body temperature, while crocodiles keep it due to their large size, large mass and specific behavior (bask in the sun, cool in water). Therefore, in larger specimens, fluctuations in body temperature are less than in small representatives.
Difference from an alligator
From their closest relatives, alligators, crocodiles are distinguished primarily by the structure of the teeth: when the mouth is closed, the fourth tooth is visible on the lower jaw, while the teeth of alligators are not visible at all. The structure of the muzzle is also different: in alligators it is more blunt, in crocodiles it is sharp.
Crocodiles have a better salt metabolism: they remove excess salts through the glands located on the tongue, as well as through the lacrimal glands (the famous "crocodile tears"). Thanks to this, they are able to live not only in river, but also in sea water, while alligators - only in fresh water. Among crocodiles, there are species that live both there and there, for example, despite the fact that the Nile crocodile prefers to live in rivers and lakes, it is also often found near the sea coast, in river mouths.
Way of life
Crocodiles prefer to live mainly in fresh water, and some species: the Nile crocodile, combed, African narrow-nosed are found off the coast of the seas. These animals spend all their time in the water, they come out on land in the morning or in the evening to bask in the sun and accumulate heat in the horny plates. For example, the Nile crocodile prefers air temperatures from 32 to 35 ° C, if the figures are higher, it is not even shown on land. Some species of crocodiles during a drought pull out holes at the bottom of drying reservoirs and fall into hibernation.
On land, these animals are inactive and clumsy, so they prefer to move exclusively in the water. If necessary, they are able to move to another body of water through land, having overcome several kilometers.
Interestingly, they usually move with their legs wide apart, then developing speed (no more than 11 km / h for short distances), the reptiles put their paws under the body. But in the water, reptiles swim much faster, at a speed of about 40 km / h. Despite their impressive size, they are quite capable of jumping two meters out of the water.
Crocodiles live in packs, and this life is peculiar: they are quite capable of eating their relative, and males often destroy babies. Each group has a dominant male, who jealously guards his territory from the same large individuals as he is, making a loud roar. These reptiles can express their emotions different ways: they hiss, grunt, growl and even croak hoarsely.
Hunting and food
Despite the fact that crocodiles prefer to hunt at night, during the day, if the prey is not far from them, they do not leave it unattended. They receive information about a potential victim thanks to receptors located on the jaws, which are able to sense prey even at a great distance.
They feed mainly on fish, but if they come across other prey that they can handle, they also hunt it. How dangerous they are to humans depends on the species. For example, the Nile crocodile is a cannibal, but the gharial (also large) is absolutely not dangerous.
The food preferences of a crocodile largely depend on its age and size: young individuals prefer invertebrates, adults prefer amphibians, small mammals, reptiles, and birds.
But large individuals (the same Nile crocodile) are able to cope even with victims that are much larger than them in size: the Nile crocodile catches wildebeest when they cross rivers during migration, the combed predator during the rainy season opens the hunt for cattle, Madagascar succeeds to catch a lemur, and in search of water, he crawls into caves (in a drought, you can only find it here). If necessary, these animals are able to eat their relative.
These reptiles cannot chew, and therefore, having caught the victim, they dismember it with their teeth and swallow it in parts. If the food is too large for this, they may leave it at the bottom for a while and wait until it gets wet. With food, the animal is helped to cope with the stones swallowed by it, which grind the food. These stones are often quite large: it is known for sure that the Nile crocodile is able to swallow a five-kilogram block.
Crocodiles eat carrion very rarely, and they do not tolerate rotten food at all. Reptiles eat a lot: at a time they are able to swallow food weighing about 25% of their body weight. Since 60% of food is deposited in fat, if necessary, they are able to starve from one to one and a half years.
reproduction
Considering that crocodiles live from 50 to 110 years, they reach sexual maturity quite early: at the age of 8 to 10 years. Crocodiles are polygamous animals: a male may well have a harem consisting of twelve females.
The female does not give birth, but lays eggs (about fifty pieces per night). To do this, she goes to the coast and digs a hole, the size of which largely depends on the illumination: in the sun - deeper, in the shade - smaller, after it it fills them with sand or leaves. It takes about three months for the eggs to hatch. All this time the female spends near them, without going anywhere and not even eating.
Who exactly hatches depends largely on the temperature of the air: if they exceed 32 ° C, a male will appear, from 28 to 30 ° C - a female. Before breaking the shell, then one or the other small crocodile begins to make grunting sounds. For the female, this is a signal, and she first digs them out, then rolling in her mouth, frees the babies.
The crocodiles that were born are small: their length is only 28 centimeters. At a time, the mother collects about two dozen babies in her mouth and transfers them to a previously looked after pond of small sizes, where they spend about eight weeks, after which they disperse around the neighborhood in search of reservoirs unoccupied by other crocodiles. Because of this, mortality among crocodiles is very high: many are eaten by birds, monitor lizards and other predators. Those that survived, as they grow older, first feed on insects, then they begin to catch frogs and fish from reservoirs, and from the age of ten they open the hunt for large vertebrates.
Reptiles and people
Speaking about crocodiles, it is better for a person to take into account that he should avoid meeting with these animals: almost all of them are dangerous for humans. True, there are species that never attack people (gharial), while others do so at every opportunity (combed).
Hunting for crocodiles in their habitats is also popular: their meat is eaten, and textiles and haberdashery are made from their skin. As soon as crocodile skin products became popular in fashion, the number of animals began to decline very quickly: hunting for crocodiles did its job.
According to the data, in the 20s of the last century, about a million reptiles were killed annually in South America alone, so if governments did not come to their senses in time and in the forties would not pass laws according to which hunting for crocodiles was prohibited, they would have been destroyed long ago. Also, the largest crocodile in Africa, the Nile crocodile, disappeared from its usual habitats, and captive breeding saved the Indian gharial from complete extinction (today there are about 1.5 thousand individuals).
Another factor that puts these reptiles on the brink of extinction in South America and Asia is the construction of dams. For their construction, huge areas of forests were cut down, as a result of which many reservoirs where crocodiles lived dried up.
This situation is alarming not only because a unique species is dying out, but also because the ecosystem of the region is being disturbed with the disappearance of these animals. For example, in Florida, crocodiles prey on pike, which, without having natural enemy, would destroy all valuable fish, especially bream and perch. These reptiles make it possible for many animals to survive the drought: water accumulates in the holes dug by them, forming small reservoirs, where during the drought the fish finds refuge, and animals and birds come to drink.
Crocodiles are often ranked among the most interesting animals, and many zoologists and animal lovers spend their entire lives studying the characteristics and diversity of crocodiles.
Crocodiles (Crocodilia) are reptiles from the order of aquatic vertebrates. Their usual habitats are in Australia, North and South America, Asia and Africa. Today, they are considered the most powerful among reptiles. There are about 23 modern species that are in 3 families: crocodiles, alligators and gharials. As a rule, these animals live from 60 to 70 years, but there are individuals who have crossed the 125-year mark.
The sizes of crocodiles are very different, but the largest crocodile in the world, which is also the heaviest, is combed crocodile(Crocodylus porosus). Its length becomes 6.2 meters, and its weight is 1200 kg. Its habitats are the waters of eastern India, Southeast Asia and Northern Australia.
photo: Phil Simonson (Osteolaemus tetraspis) is the smallest. Found in the waters of the tropical lowlands of sub-Saharan West Africa and West Central Africa. It is only 1-2 meters long.
Being hunters, all crocodiles have very good eyesight. To begin with, they have the ability to keep their eyes open while immersed in water. This gives them the ability to lurk under water in anticipation of prey. On land, these reptiles are just as dangerous and fast, reaching speeds of up to 43.5 km/h.
Due to its specific appearance, it is widely known (Gavialis gangeticus). The largest males reach a length of 5-6 m, and females are slightly more than 4 m. They have a long and thin snout, designed to catch fish, their main food. Gharials live in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent, live in clear freshwater rivers with fast currents.
The second modern species in the gavial family gavial crocodile(Tomistoma schlegelii) also has a long snout and large size. It lives in Malaysia and Indonesia, very rarely, but still found in Thailand.
photo: Ted McGrath
The most common member of the real crocodile family sharp-snouted crocodile(Crocodylus acutus). Quite a large species: average length: 3.5 m, maximum - 6 m, weight 180-450 kg. It has a stocky body with a long, powerful tail. Dwells along east coast Pacific Ocean from western Mexico south to Ecuador, and along the western Atlantic coast from Guatemala north to the southern tip of Florida.
Siamese crocodile(Crocodylus siamensis) is a small, freshwater crocodile with a relatively broad, smooth muzzle. It is one of the most endangered species in wild nature, although it is widely bred in captivity. Adults feed mainly on fish, but may also eat amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
photo: RonSpomer Crocodiles are among the most well-adapted hunters among reptiles and beyond. To begin with, there are about 24 teeth in one jaw, which are ideal for grasping prey, but not for chewing. Damaged and broken teeth are constantly replaced with new ones. After the crocodile has caught its prey, it does not let it go, pulls it into the water to drown it. After that, it swallows the victim without chewing, if it is too large, then it makes sharp movements from side to side to tear it into smaller pieces. All crocodiles are known as one of the most patient hunters because they can stay underwater right below the surface of the water, hiding for more than 8 hours waiting for prey.
One of the most dangerous animals in Africa and a famous cannibal is nile crocodile(Crocodylus niloticus). Only where hippos live, more people die than from this terrible reptile. Among the very dangerous members of the family is also swamp crocodile(Crocodylus palustris) and Mississippi alligator(Alligator mississippiensis). About 100 people a year suffer from the first, and the second attacks only 10 a year, but almost all cases end in death.
photo: Vladislav Simonov (Alligator sinensis) has only about 200 individuals, so it has a very rare species. It hunts at night and its diet consists mainly of aquatic mollusks such as snails and mussels, as well as fish. It also feeds on occasional waterfowl and small mammals.
photo: muzina_shanghai Male crocodiles grow much larger and faster than females. Depending on the species, a crocodile can live up to an average of 70 years, with some species the limit is as high as 130 years.
photo: Profe Josema In the International Red Book is caiman black(Melanosuchus niger), which is found throughout most of the Amazon basin, but is much rarer than it was a few decades ago. This is the largest predator of the Amazon, growing up to 6 m in length. Protected status is also swamp crocodile(Crocodylus palustris), Orinoco(Crocodylus intermedius), sharp-nosed(Crocodylus acutus), narrow-nosed african(Crocodylus cataphractus) and gavial(Gavialis gangeticus).
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Crocodile - special kind reptiles whose lifestyle is semi-aquatic. By appearance the crocodile resembles even stones, so people should be more careful near water bodies and vegetation, as the animal can quickly attack.
Due to their coloration, crocodiles are able to perfectly camouflage themselves in nature.
Crocodiles belong to the class of archosaurs, in length an adult can reach 3 meters, and some giants and 7 meters. Crocodiles weigh from 250-500 kg, while one head weighs 200 kg, as a rule, males are much larger than females.
Description of a cold-blooded animal
The entire body of the animal is covered 9 cervical vertebrae, while the tail has 36 vertebrae that help it turn, accelerate, and also support optimal temperature body.
The crocodile is a cold-blooded reptile, so its element is water. Due to the fact that his eyes and nose are located close to the top of his head, he can long time lie under water in anticipation of their prey, while it is excellent to see from the water what is happening on land.
The worst thing a crocodile has is its huge mouth, with 80 sharp fangs.
The entire body of the reptile is covered with skin, which is formed by keratinized shields. Inside the body, the crocodile has strong ribs. The color of a crocodile can be from green to dark brown, depending on the species and habitat.
The heart of a crocodile is four-chambered, and the blood contains a special antibiotic that prevents infection of the crocodile body, because it is constantly in dirty water.
The stomach of a crocodile is not ordinary, it differs in that it contains special gastrolith stones inside, which help to process any solid food, as well as keep the long body in balance in the water.
The crocodile grows all his life, as the cartilage tissue is constantly changing in size. Their average life expectancy is about 85 years.
Animal crocodile is considered a fearless animal, it does not have enemies. The only enemy can be considered a person who, with the help of special traps, catches middle-aged individuals.
Also, crocodile eggs can be eaten by turtles, monitor lizards, herons.
Can crocodiles cry?
The people say "cry crocodile tears" and for good reason. Crocodiles can really cry, but not from pain and resentment.
The peculiarity of the appearance of tears is that the animal has a special lacrimal gland, it removes salts from the body that have accumulated in excess in the crocodile.
So, crocodile tears are a natural process that occurs due to a large number harmful salts.
Where do crocodiles live?
Crocodiles can be found anywhere the globe, where they are not bred on their own, where there is no habitat favorable for them, they are bred artificially and create all conditions for existence.
The most favorable climate for a crocodile is Guatemala, Asia, Africa, the Philippine Islands, Australia, America, etc.
Animals love fresh water, in such places they are ready to spend all the time.
The reptile can also perfectly adapt to a salty reservoir, as they have a good water-salt exchange, so it can also be found in the seas.
How do crocodiles live?
All crocodiles live in water, and lay their eggs in the sand on land, this lifestyle is called semi-aquatic. The animal loves to be under the sun in the early morning or afternoon.
The body temperature of a crocodile always varies from environment. When it is very hot outside, the reptile opens its mouth to evaporate water, at this time the birds can feast on the remnants of food in their sharp teeth, after which they can be eaten by the crocodile.
Crocodiles are most often located directly near the water, but in search of prey they can pave the way for 4 kilometers, while moving at a speed of 15 km / h.
The lifestyle of a crocodile allows him to move away from his main place, and then return again.
What do crocodiles eat?
The diet of a crocodile depends primarily on its own body size. Thus, large individuals can swallow a large horned animal, while a smaller species is not able to consume such food.
The main diet of a crocodile is fish, birds, bats, snakes, monitor lizards. A crocodile can even eat poisonous snakes.
Crocodiles living in the sea feed on dolphins, fish, shellfish, large species they even eat sharks.
The reptile often preys on kangaroos, cheetahs, lions, monkeys, hares and other savannah animals. Crocodiles that live near the village can eat domestic animals and even people.
Types of crocodiles
Nile crocodile
It is considered the largest representative of this genus. It lives in rivers, fresh water bodies, lakes.
The main food of such animals is giraffes, hippos, rhinos.
blunt-nosed crocodile
Considered the smallest crocodile, an adult does not exceed one and a half meters in length.
The animal lives in fresh waters Africa, they are afraid of people, they hunt mainly at night. They feed on all types of fish and carrion.
combed crocodile
This is the largest crocodile on the entire planet. Such a crocodile is considered the most dangerous predator, people called it a cannibal crocodile.
In length, it reaches 7 meters and weighs about 2 tons. Such a reptile lives in the sea, in Indonesia, in the Philippines.
It feeds on large animals, buffaloes, cows, goats, as well as domestic animals.
Photo of a crocodile
