The term ‘Crocodile’ is frequently used to refer to other members of the ‘Crocodilia’ order, such as alligators, caimans, gharials, and false gharials. However, crocodiles have distinct traits that differentiate them from their relatives, revealing the intriguing nature of these aquatic reptiles.
Are you curious to discover more about these powerful creatures? This guide highlights nine lesser-known yet captivating facts about crocodiles, giving you a deeper understanding of their remarkable world.
9 Interesting Facts About Crocodiles
1: There Are 23 Different Species of Crocodiles
The reptile order Crocodilia consists of 23 species, each with distinct habits and habitats.
- American alligator: Native to the Southeastern United States, this species inhabits freshwater environments.
- American crocodile: Found in North and South America, this crocodile can tolerate saltwater thanks to salt glands under its tongue.
- Australian freshwater crocodile: Known as Johnstone’s or freshie, it resides in northern Australia and is not considered a man-eater.
- Black caiman: A large crocodile found in slow-moving rivers and lakes, especially in the Amazon basin of South America.
- Broad-snouted caiman: This species, found in eastern and central South America, prefers slow-moving freshwater habitats.
- Chinese alligators: Also called Yangtze or Muddy Dragons, these alligators are native to China.
- Cuban crocodile: Critically Endangered due to extreme hunting, this species lives in freshwater swamps, rivers, and marshes.
- Cuvier’s dwarf caiman: A small species often kept as a pet, it is found in northern and central South America.
- Dwarf crocodile: The smallest living freshwater crocodile, this nocturnal and timid African species prefers low-activity habitats.
- Malayan gharial: Also known as the False Gharial or Sunda Gharial, it prefers freshwater bodies and is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN.
- Gharial: Native to the northern Indian subcontinent, the gharial is the longest freshwater crocodile.
- Yacare caiman: Found in South America, these freshwater reptiles thrive in rivers, swamps, and lakes.
- Morelet’s crocodile: Also known as the Mexican crocodile, this species is primarily located in Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala.
- Mugger crocodile: This vulnerable species is named after Indian mythology and prefers floating in freshwater.
- New Guinea crocodile: A small species, the New Guinea crocodile is found in northern New Guinea and is listed as ‘Least Concern.’
- Nile crocodile: Africa’s largest freshwater predator, the Nile crocodile, is the second-largest reptile after the saltwater crocodile.
- Orinoco Crocodiles: Native to Colombia and Venezuela, this critically endangered species prefers freshwater habitats.
- Philippine crocodile: Known as the Mindoro crocodile, it is one of the two Filipino crocodiles found in the Philippines.
- Saltwater crocodiles: With a ‘Least Concern’ status, saltwater crocodiles are found worldwide, including in India, northern Australia, and Micronesia.
- Schneider’s dwarf caiman: Native to South America’s Amazon and Orinoco basins, this species is the second-smallest alligator after Cuvier’s dwarf caiman.
- Siamese crocodile: A medium-sized freshwater species, the Siamese crocodile is found in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Malaysia.
- Spectacled caiman: This species from Latin America has a ridge between its eyes, giving it a “spectacle” appearance.
- West African slender-snouted crocodile: A critically endangered species, it prefers dense, vegetated freshwater bodies and is one of five crocodile species in Africa.
2: Crocodiles Have Ancient Lineage
Crocodiles are fascinating creatures with an ancient lineage that dates back 240 million years. These “living fossils” have changed little over the last 200 million years. Remarkably, they survived the impact of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, highlighting their resilience and adaptability. During the Mesozoic Era, crocodiles were the dominant predators long before humans took that role.
3: Crocodiles Have Powerful Jaws
Crocodiles have some of the most powerful bites in the animal kingdom despite having weak and highly sensitive jaw muscles. The Saltwater crocodile holds the record with a jaw pressure of 3,700 pounds per square inch (PSI). In comparison, a Nile Crocodile’s bite is estimated to range between 4,000 to 5,000 PSI. This means that a saltwater crocodile can bite with nearly three times the force of a lion or tiger.
4: Crocodiles Can Regenerate Their Teeth
Like alligators, crocodiles replace their teeth as they fall out. A specialized groove in their jaws enables this, allowing new teeth to grow continuously throughout their life. This process can result in thousands of teeth throughout a crocodile’s life.
Recent images of a crocodile skull’s cross-section, taken at the Senckenberg Museum in Frankfurt, have uncovered an even more intriguing aspect of their dental structure. The photos reveal that crocodiles grow additional teeth inside their existing ones, showcasing the complexity of their tooth-replacement system.
5: Crocodiles Are Carnivores
Crocodiles are mainly carnivores, feeding mostly on small animals such as insects, crustaceans, snails, small fish, frogs, tadpoles, and wild mammals. While rare, crocodiles may attack humans, usually when they feel threatened and are defending themselves.
Interestingly, crocodiles also have a frugivorous side. According to a study published in the Journal of Zoology, nearly three-quarters of crocodilian species intentionally consume fruits as part of their diet.
6: Crocodiles Can Hold Their Breath Underwater
Crocodiles have surprising abilities, including holding their breath underwater for over an hour. This feat is possible due to their unique physiological features. Their specialized heart and metabolic system enable them to do so.
Like humans, crocodiles have a four-chambered heart with a similar blood circulation process. What makes them different is the Foramen of Panizza, a small opening between their left and right aorta. This allows blood to bypass the lungs while submerged. As a result, their heart rate slows to 2 to 3 beats per minute, conserving energy by reducing cellular respiration.
7: Crocodiles Can Sleep With One Eye Wide Open
Yes, crocodiles appear to look witty while sleeping because they keep one eye open. This behaviour, called unilateral eye closure (UEC), is commonly seen in birds and some aquatic mammals.
When a crocodile sleeps with one eye open, one side of its brain stays awake while the other side sleeps. The open eye is connected to the active part of the brain during this time, a behaviour known as Unihemispheric Sleep. Crocodiles use this method to stay alert to both predators and potential prey.
8: Crocodiles Hunt About 1000 People Every Year
Crocodiles are generally not man-eaters, and their attacks are rare and opportunistic. Still, these events cause approximately 1,000 human deaths each year. The saltwater and Nile crocodiles are the primary species responsible for these fatalities.
9: Crocodiles Are Cold-Blooded
Like other reptiles such as snakes and turtles, crocodiles are ectothermic or cold-blooded. This means they depend on external sources to regulate their body temperature and cannot maintain a steady internal heat. Crocodiles thrive within a temperature range of 86°F (30°C) to 91.4°F (33°C). As a result, they move between warm and cool areas, basking in the sun to warm up and seeking shade to avoid overheating.
Conclusion
Crocodiles have a rich evolutionary history and a cold-blooded nature that make them fascinating creatures. However, their population is declining due to human activities like land development and overhunting for their valuable skins. This poses a significant threat to various crocodilian species. As consumers and influencers, we must change our behaviours to protect these creatures and their ecosystems.
FAQs
What are 5 interesting facts about crocodiles?
- There are 23 species of crocodiles.
- Crocodiles have existed for over 240 million years, with an ancient lineage.
- They possess powerful jaws and can bite with nearly three times the force of a lion or tiger.
- Crocodiles can regenerate thousands of teeth throughout their lives.
- While primarily carnivores, crocodiles are occasionally seen eating fruits.
Do crocodiles have 100 teeth?
The number of teeth a crocodile has varies by species. For instance, a Dwarf Crocodile may have 60 teeth, while a Gharial can have 110.
How long can a crocodile hold its breath?
Crocodiles can hold their breath underwater for over an hour. This ability results from their specialized heart and unique metabolic system.
Are crocodiles carnivores?
Crocodiles are primarily carnivores, feeding on insects, crustaceans, snails, small fish, frogs, tadpoles, and even wild mammals. Occasionally, they are also observed eating fruits.
Are crocodiles cold-blooded?
Crocodiles are cold-blooded and cannot regulate their body temperature. They depend on external sources to maintain heat.