The ancestors of the group of crocodiles and alligators were archosaurs from the Cretaceous, probably terrestrial or semi-aquatic. They stood out for their large size; for example, the Sarcosuchus imperator averages between about 11 and 12 meters. However, as they have evolved and colonized aquatic environments, they have been reducing their body size. Today, there are about 23 species of crocodiles and alligators
Despite what it might seem, crocodiles are the current group most closely related to birds, and their common ancestor probably inhabited the Earth about 240 million years ago. On the other hand, they are much more separated from the lizards and snakes, groups with which they are usually related commonly. If you want to know where crocodiles live, as well as other characteristics of these impressive animals, keep reading this article on our site.
Characteristics of crocodiles
Crocodiles have some characteristics that have allowed them to colonize various parts of the world, such as:
- Speed: Crocodiles have a semi-erect posture, which allows some species to reach speeds of about 16 km/h.
- Third eyelid: They have a translucent third eyelid, or nictitating membrane, a feature shared with birds.
- Peripheral Vision: Their eyes are adapted for peripheral vision, allowing them to stalk prey in almost any direction without moving head or body.
- Replace teeth: Your teeth are constantly being replaced, allowing you to replace worn dentures.
- They breathe while diving: Their nasal cavities are separated from their mouth by a layer of bone (secondary palate), which allows them to breathe while they're diving, as well as brace their jaw for a stronger bite.
- Pressure detectors: they have pressure detectors in the jaws that facilitate the perception of pressure waves in the water, and thus detect their prey.
- Sex is determined by environment: Sex is determined by environmental conditions, depending on the temperature at which eggs are incubated. eggs will be male or female.
- They excrete s alt: Crocodiles also have glands that excrete s alt, which makes life in coastal environments easier.
- They take care of their young: they have parental care, that is, they take care of their young until they have a certain body size, reaching up to 3 or 4 years. We expand the information on this topic in Crocodile incubation - Environment and duration.
- Digestion: Like birds, their digestive tract has an extra compartment that aids digestion.
On the other hand, it is important to note that crocodiles and alligators are not exactly the same. To learn how to differentiate them, we encourage you to read this other article on our site about Differences between alligator and crocodile.
Where do crocodiles live?
Crocodiles are found exclusively in tropical and subtropical areas, always associated with water. We generally associate crocodiles with swampy regions and areas, but the reality is that they also inhabit areas frequented by humans.
Types of crocodiles
They are divided into three families:
- Gavialidae.
- Alligatoridae.
- Crocodylidae.
Here we will focus on the latter and, considering that there are many current species, we will name some examples depending on their distribution. Today's crocodiles live in Asia, Australia, Africa and America Next, we'll explain where crocodiles live by territory.
Where do Australian crocodiles live
Within the species present in Australia, the following stand out:
- Porous crocodile (Crocodylus porosus): Called a porous or marine crocodile, they inhabit rivers, lakes, estuaries, and swamps and are native to the southeast Asia to northern Australia. They can reach up to 6 or 7 meters in length, with females being much smaller.
- Johnston's crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni): The Johnston's crocodile or Australian freshwater crocodile, as its name suggests, is typical of Northern Australia and frequents wetlands and rivers. It is a small species of about 2 to 3 meters and is known for having the ability to “run”.
If you are also interested in knowing what crocodiles eat, don't miss this other article on Crocodile feeding.
Where Asian crocodiles live
The main species of Asian crocodiles and their habitat are as follows:
- Tidal Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): The Tidal Crocodile inhabits many regions of Asia, from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, as far south as Iran. It measures between 4 and 5 meters and frequents areas of lakes, rivers and marshes and has a certain tolerance to s alt water.
- Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis): The Siamese crocodile is native to Southeast Asia and the islands of Borneo and Java. It is a fairly small species, since it does not usually exceed three meters in length. Its populations are very small because it is in danger of extinction.
- New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae): Called the New Guinea crocodile because it is native to this island, it is a species small in size, reaching 3.5 meters. They are nocturnal and there are two populations separated by mountains.
- Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis): The Philippine or Mindoro crocodile is endemic to the Philippines (i.e. found only in that place) and is one of the most endangered freshwater crocodiles. It is currently categorized as vulnerable. It is quite small, measuring between 2 and 3 meters.
You may also be interested in knowing what the 11 most dangerous animals in Asia are.
Where crocodiles live in Africa
Within the species present in Africa and their habitat, the following stand out:
- Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus): the Nile crocodile is the second largest crocodile in the world, reaching about 6 meters long. It inhabits sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar, so it is not exclusive to the Nile, as its name might imply, and it frequents lakes and rivers.
- Desert crocodile (Crocodylus suchus): The West African crocodile or desert crocodile is native to the Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Gambia, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Benin, Zimbabwe, the Central African Republic and Nigeria. It can reach between 2 and 5 meters in length.
Where America's Crocodiles Live
As for American crocodiles, this is where they live:
- River crocodile (Crocodylus acutus): the river or American crocodile inhabits from the southern United States, Central America, reaching the north of Peru. It is a very large species that generally measures between 3 and 4 meters, but can reach 7 meters in length. It lives in coastal lagoons, estuaries and estuaries of rivers and streams.
- Swamp crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii): The swamp crocodile is a small species of about 3 meters that lives from Guatemala to Mexico. It prefers swampy areas in isolated and desolate areas.
In America there are both alligators and crocodiles, the latter found exclusively throughout the Caribbean, Caribbean islands, Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. On the other hand, in Africa, the eastern populations are more closely related to those of America than those present in the western area, so the ancestors of the crocodiles in the American area must have colonized it across the sea from Africa.
