1. Crocodiles are one of the planet’s oldest living creatures, thought to be around 200 million years old which means that crocodiles were around in dinosaur times.
2. Crocodiles are large reptiles found in tropical regions of Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodiles secrete 10 times the gastric acid than other animals and this enable them to be able to swallow their prey as a whole without breaking it down, no matter how big. They sometimes swallow stones to ensure faster grinding of the food in their stomach!
Related Post: Amazing Animal Facts (Green Anaconda)
3. The smallest crocodile is the dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) from central Africa, which has a maximum length of 1.9 m (6.5 ft). It is more terrestrial than other crocodiles. However, a crocodile egg is no larger than that of a goose!
4. Crocodiles live throughout the watery tropics of Africa, Asia, America and Australia, congregating in freshwater environments in the worlds lakes and rivers.
5. While submerged, a protective membrane closes over a crocodile’s eyes – like swimming goggles.
Related Post: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Hyena)
6. Crocodiles feed on fish, reptiles and mammals, the prey size generally dependent on the size of the crocodile.
7. Crocodiles only eat about fifty full meals a year and can go for long periods without eating; nesting females generally fast.
8. Crocodiles vary in size. Largest crocodile species is Saltwater Crocodile which can reach 13-18 feet in length and weigh up to 2200 pounds. Smallest crocodile species is Dwarf Crocodile which can reach 5 feet in length and weigh up to 40-70 pounds.
Related Post: 10 Amazing Animal Facts (Electric Eel)
9. The expression “shedding crocodile tears” is based on the true fact – crocodiles produce tears when they eat. They don’t cry because they feel sorry for the prey, but because they swallow too much air, which gets in touch with lachrymal glands (glands that produce tears) and forces tears to flow.
10. Crocodiles mate during monsoon season. Female lays 20-80 eggs and take care of them 3 months.
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. Crocodiles can live up to 40-70 years.
