INTERESTING FACTS
Saltwater Crocodile – Also known as the “saltie,” this species is the largest living reptile in the world. Adult males commonly reach between 14 and 16 ft. long, and some reach 20 ft. or more! As their name suggests, this species often lives in saltwater habitats.
Dwarf Crocodile – This little species, also known as the “bony,” or “broad-snouted” Crocodile, is the smallest of the Crocodylidae family. Even so, adults measure about 5 feet long. These reptiles live in western Africa.
Siamese Crocodile – This species is the most endangered in the family. The IUCN lists the Siamese species as Critically Endangered. Humans single-handedly decimated this species via commercial hunting. Nowadays, illegal poaching and egg collecting, habitat loss, and entanglement in fishing gear all threaten the survival of this species.
Nile Crocodile – Named for its presence in the Nile River, one of the longest rivers in the world, this reptile has quite the reputation. Because of its close proximity to humans, these reptiles attack people with surprising frequency. Researchers estimate that more than half of all attacks result in fatality because of this reptile’s size.
CONSERVATION MESSAGE
Crocodiles are considered to be a threatened species, with several of their subspecies listed as endangered or critically endangered. Habitat destruction and hunting for their skin and meat are the major threats to crocodile populations. Conservation efforts include protecting crocodile habitats, regulating hunting, and promoting the sustainable use of crocodile products.
CONSERVATION STATUS
Critically Endangered
LIFE SPAN
Thought to live 50 to 75 years
NATIVE HABITAT
You can find the various species in rivers, river mouths, swamps, lakes, billabongs, reservoirs, estuaries, and more.
DIET
These reptiles are carnivorous creatures that only eat meat. Their diets vary drastically based on where they live, how large they are, and their species. Hatchlings and juveniles feed on insects, incest larvae, small fish, shrimp, frogs, and other small aquatic creatures. Adults feed on turtles etc
HEIGHT
Males can grow up to a length of 6 m (20 ft), rarely exceeding 6.3 m (21 ft). Females are much smaller and rarely surpass 3 m (10 ft).
WEIGHT
Weight of 1,000–1,300 kg (2,200–2,900 lb)
LENGTH
The largest living crocodile species, is between 14 and 17 feet (4.2 to 5.2 meters). The largest saltwater crocodile on record was a male that measured 23 feet (7 meters) long.
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