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Crocodiles are reptiles from the family of crocodilians, which actually also includes, the alligators, caimans and the Indian Gharial. Crocodiles are generally traced back to the Cretaceous as well as the Triassic period. Crocodilians, in general, are animals of elongated body as well as a long tail, lengthy jaws through which they show a great number of sharp conical teeth (typically 28 to 32 teeth in the top jaw and 30-40 teeth in lower jaw). In crocodiles, the muzzle is narrower in the end, with the 4th tooth on both sides of the lower jaw exposed when the mouth closes.
The crocodiles are semi-aquatic creatures (they will spend a great deal of time in water, but additionally require go to shore for basking) who, depending on species, will be found in rivers, estuaries, coastal regions as well as in the open sea. They swim, frequently on the surface with eyes as well as nostrils along the water line and move their own body using the strong tail.
The Crocodiles are carnivores, and among them, are large hunters such as the Nile Crocodile as well as the Saltwater crocodile. The saltwater crocodile is definitely the biggest reptile in existence, because it may well attain seven meters long and more than 1 tonne (1000 kg) in weight.
As young they feed on smaller animals (insects, fish, frogs), but as they get bigger they begin hunting animals ever bigger, until the size of a big antelope.
Just like the other reptiles, crocodiles are endothermic (cold-blooded, or whose body temperature varies with the temperature of the environment) and, as a result, need to sunbathe, to raise the temperature of the body. If it is overheating, they would prefer water or shade when available.
Crocodiles are oviparous (they reproduce using eggs which are deposited outside of the female's womb) and are the only reptiles that show true parental care. Therefore, almost all the crocodiles construct nests, by using heaps of dirt or plant debris, the remaining species of crocodiles dig burrows on the sand banks of rivers as well as beaches. Females, in general, and occasionally the male remains nearby to guard the eggs from predators.
Before the hatching, the young will emit vocalizations (sounds), to which the female responds simply by scooping the top of the nest, to help them out the eggs after which it will occasionally hold the young in her mouth and take them to the water, protecting them subsequently in certain cases during weeks or months. Upon birth the juvenile will measure only approximately 20 centimeters.
Man is an important enemy for all crocodile species through their hunt for the skin trade, in addition to the devastation of their natural habitat.
Crocodiles are truly breathtaking creatures, that in fact play a vital role in their Eco-systems. Therefore they should be protected and saved. We must discover how to live in the crocodile world as they have lived on this planet for the preceding 2 hundred million years, and that's much longer than mankind.
The author invites you to find out more about some other crocodile species like the Saltwater Crocodile or find out more about the legendary Gustave Crocodile, Burundi's man eater.
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