American Crocodile

Species: American Crocodile  
Habitat: Coastal, Swamps, Mangroves
Status: Vulnerable
DAK Locale: Dinoland

The American Crocodile is found throughout South America, the Caribbean and north into southern Florida, where it is often confused with the more populous (at least in Florida) alligator. At first glance, they appear quite similar and are indeed closely related. The alligator's snout is wider and the teeth from the lower jaw cannot be seen when the mouth is closed. Of course, most people don't want to get close enough to find that out. To that end, the crocodile is more likely to attack humans that its gator cousin. There are other differences, as well. Alligators are much better suited to the cold and if you see a crocodilian in Orlando its likely a gator.

Crocodiles, however, due much better in saltwater. It is this ability to adapt to the salinity of the water that has allowed the American Crocodile to colonize much larger areas than the alligator. They are found throughout the Caribbean with large populations in Cuba and Jamaica. They found across Mexico and Central America into the Pacific coastal areas. They are also found along the northern portions of South America. The crocodile also grows at a faster rate with some animals surpassing 20 feet in length.

Crocodilians as a whole are advanced for a reptile. For starters, they have four chambered hearts. They are also one of the few kinds of reptiles that care for its young. Mothers build nests and then protect them from predators such as snakes and raccoons. Even after the young are born, the mother stays close by the protect her babies, which is unheard of in other kinds of reptiles. The nests are elaborately built by the mothers to keep the eggs warm and protected. After birth, the mother will carry its babies in its mouth to the water so her young can hunt. She will stay close by the protect them for weeks, answering distress calls with ferocity.

The American Crocodile is endangered in parts of its range, but generally, it is making a comeback. In the United States, in 2007, the species was downgraded from endangered to threatened. Still, it is illegal to harass or hunt the animal under its current classification. Historically, the animal was hunted for its hide as well as meat, and in certain areas it has felt the loss of its habitat.

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