Crocodile

Family Crocodylidae

Reptile

Transcript:

Today on Animal Fact Files we're discussing crocodiles. Chomp that subscribe button for more episodes. Infinite zilla made today's request. Thank you! We discussed this in our alligator episode, but just to recap, crocodiles are the guys that typically have a pointy snout and show both their upper and lower teeth while their mouth is closed - alligators on the other hand have a blunt snout and only show off their top teeth with a closed mouth. There are only two species of alligators in the world, but there are more than ten species of crocodiles, and they’re more widespread than alligators, too. Crocodiles can be found in streams, swamps, lakes, rivers, and other watery habitats all around the world. They tend to favor tropical locales, though some species do venture into subtropical areas. Because they’re ectotherms, they depend on a warm environment to survive, so they can’t live where it gets too cold; then again, living where it’s too hot can cause problems, too, that’s why most crocodiles are more active during the evening and night hours and spend a lot of time in cooler water. Crocodiles also see to enjoy level ground as it’s believed none of the current living species, or any that came before them, have ever lived in mountainous areas - I’m pretty sure mountain crocodiles would just be straight up dragons.

Crocodiles are able to tolerate saltwater better than alligators, and bigger individuals can handle higher levels of salinity for longer periods of time. Though crocodiles spend a lot of their time in or near water, they have to lay their eggs on laid. There are differences between the species, but, generally speaking, crocodiles lay their eggs in either a mound or hole created by the mother crocodile. Males are larger than females, and the biggest males in the group are usually in charge. During breeding season, the big boys might fight with one another for breeding rights to the females. The head honcho will mate with the females in his territory, and about six weeks later the females will lay eggs. The temperature inside the nest will determine the sex of the babies, and for three months the mother crocodile will protect the nest from predators. Adult crocodiles don’t really have to worry about predators, but eggs and juveniles may be taken by birds of prey, other reptiles, and even sometime conspecifics, also known as: the rude neighbors.

When not seeking out younger members of their own species as a meal, crocodiles most frequently eat fish, crustaceans, birds, mammals and insects. If they need to, crocodiles can quickly jump out of the water using their tail to propel them and pounce on an unsuspecting meal. Crocodiles are sit and wait predators and are able to go weeks at a time between meals if necessary. Supposedly the largest crocodiles can live two years without eating a meal; Chester can barely last two hours.

Crocodiles are ancient creatures who give us a glimpse into the past as they have remained relatively unchanged from their prehistoric ancestors. Individuals today are thought to be able to survive for decades, with some unvalidated accounts of individuals living more than 100 years.

For more facts on crocodiles, check out the links in the description. Thank you for adventuring with us today, and give a thumbs up for more Animal Fact Files.