Crocodile

BY CINTHIA GLORIA MARGITA R.GOLAN

Crocodile, the largest of living reptiles, found throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Crocodiles live near swamps and marshes. They spend much of their time basking in the sun. There are 12 species of crocodiles.

Crocodile Description

Crocodiles range from 5 to 25 feet (1.5 to 7.5 m) in length. A crocodile has a long, pointed snout. Some of its lower teeth are exposed when the jaw is closed. It is olive-green with dark crossbands on the back and tail. The skin is protected by large bony plates. The crocodile has a heavy tail, short legs, and webbed hind feet.

The crocodile has protruding eyes and nostrils, raised slightly above the flattened head, allowing the animal to see and breathe while the rest of its body is submerged. The ears have flaps that close when the head is submerged. A fold at the back of the mouth closes off the air passage from the food passage, enabling the animal to breathe even when its mouth is open underwater. The jaws have powerful muscles and sharp, strong teeth that are frequently shed, replaced by new ones that grow in their place. Both sexes have a pair of scent glands under the chin that secretes musk, a strong-smelling substance that attracts a mate.

The female builds a nest of sand, sticks, and vegetation. The mound of material is usually one foot (30 cm) high and 10 feet (3 m) long. She lays 20 to 60 white eggs in the nest and incubates them for three months. After the young hatch, the mother carries them in her mouth to the nearest body of water. The young are eight to nine inches (20 to 23 cm) long at birth. They mature in five years.