Crocodile

[PJL]

[Toko]

Lion and crocodile share a kill

[nan]

superb portrait PJL

oups Toko, this Croc is enormous

[Amoli]

Thanks to all having this croc ride for comments and pics.

RogerFraser/Richprins - had a good chukkle with the croc pillow... could be.... - or even a teething ring for youngsters..

beautiful pics.

PJL - this is a lovely picture - wow.

Toko - yip, it is a big croc - thanks for sharing

[Amoli]

Where do crocodiles live?

Crocodiles are found in the tropical habitats of Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas.
They normally live near lakes, rivers, wetlands and even some saltwater regions.

Crocodiles live in tropical climates for a reason.
They are cold-blooded and cannot generate their own heat.

During colder months, they hibernate or go dormant.
Crocodiles will also go dormant during long periods of drought.
To create a place to hibernate, they dig out a burrow in the side of river bank or lake and settle in for a long sleep

Interesting Crocodile Facts:

Closest relatives of crocodiles are birds and dinosaurs.

The crocodiles have a four-chambered heart like in birds and mammals, for an active life. Still, when diving, the heart behaves like a three-chambered reptilian heart, enabling them to stay more underwater






Crocodiles have excellent eyesight (especially during the night).
Their eyes can be seen as red dots while peeking from the water during the night.
Crocodiles have vertical-slit shaped pupils, similar to domestic cats.



If you turn on a lantern at night in waters populated by crocodiles, you will see pairs of shiny red dots. These are the crocodiles' eyes which have a layer called tapetum behind their retina, containing crystals that reflect light and make possible the night vision.




The eyes, ears and nostrils are located on top of the head, allowing the crocodile to lie low in the water, almost totally submerged and hidden from prey.

[Amoli]

Other facts

" To "cry crocodile tears" is a common expression which is used for depicting fake sadness. It has its origins in the myth according to which reptiles weep while eating humans.
But, believe it or not, crocodiles really do wipe while feasting, but rather due to physiological reasons than remorse.
Their eyes can froth and bubble during the feeding. Air pushed through the sinuses could mix with tears in the animal's lacrimal (tear) glands and the whole content could be emptied into the eye; resulting the "fake" remorse.

The fluid helps clean the eye, lubricate it and reduce bacteria.
Crocodile tears aren't usually noticeable unless the croc has been out of the water for a while and the eyes begin to dry out.


Conservation status

The Cuban crocodile is one of the world’s most endangered species of crocodile. It is considered critically endangered and has a population of only about 4,000.

The American crocodile is also considered vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, but their populations are increasing


Poaching is a constant threat to the crocodile species.

It is illegal to hunt crocodiles for their skin. This makes their skin very rare.

Crocodiles are protected in many parts of the world, but they also are farmed commercially. Their hides are tanned and used to make leather goods such as shoes and handbags; crocodile meat is also considered a delicacy.




Crocodile skin is considered one of the finest and best, being soft and durable.
In many tribal societies, skin crocodile is used as a symbol of high status.
But only the skin on the belly has these qualities; the back skin is covered in bones (called osteoderms) that reflects arrows, spears and even bullets!

.

A crocodile skin purse can cost $ 15,000.

The value of the crocodile skin has been fueling an intense poaching and today many of the 23 species of crocodiles and relatives are threatened,

A piece of ‘belly’ material








many crocodile populations are being wiped out. The salvation of the crocodiles could come from the crocodile farms.

Offspring

Crocodiles lay 10 to 60 eggs at a time.
The hatchlings stay in their eggs for 55 to 110 days.
They are 7 to 10 inches (17.8 to 25.4 centimeters) long when they are born and don't mature until they are 4 to 15 years.
How long a crocodile lives depends on its species.
Some only live to around 30 years, while others live up to 75 years

Temperature of the nest determines the gender of the baby.
When temperature is 31.6 degrees Celsius - males will develop.
Temperature below and above 31.6 degrees induces development of females.

99% of crocodile babies will be eaten in the first year of their life by large fish, hyenas, monitor lizards and larger crocodiles.

A baby – already quite strong…


Alligators vs. crocodiles

Crocodiles and alligators are not the same.

Crocodiles are larger, have V-shaped jaw and some of their teeth can be seen even when the jaw is fully closed.

Alligators are smaller, they have U-shaped jaw and their teeth are not visible when jaws are closed.

Because crocodiles have salt glands inside their mouths they can stand sea water, while alligators cannot.
That's why many crocodiles species abound in mangroves and estuaries.

Behaviorally, crocodiles are more active and more aggressive than alligators, and also less resistant to cold (alligators are found in subtropical areas, crocodiles not).


Interesting.........

I enjoyed the ride….. hope you did also

[Amoli]

Other facts


Temperature of the nest determines the gender of the baby.
When temperature is 31.6 degrees Celsius - males will develop.
Temperature below and above 31.6 degrees induces development of females.

[/img]

so..... what nature is telling us is that females are muuuuch more adaptable than males.....

[Richprins]

Well done, Amoli!

Less males required, you see?

[RogerFraser]

Thank you for the interesting facts and information .

[Lisbeth]

An "Animal of the month" very well done Now I know almost everything about crocodiles I hope that something will remain stored