Alligator
Main Characteristics of Crocodiles
- There are 26 species of crocodiles.
- Most crocodiles can be found in Africa, South and Central America, Indonesia, and India.
- The most well-known are the saltwater crocodile and the alligator.
- From the side, alligators appear to be smiling.
- Caimans and gavials are also part of the crocodile family.
- Most crocodiles inhabit freshwater environments like lakes and rivers.
- The saltwater crocodile can also thrive in saltwater.
- As carnivores, they ambush their prey.
- They possess an impressive bite force of over 16,000 Newtons, surpassed only by the great white shark at over 18,000 Newtons, while humans have a bite force of 80 Newtons.
- Crocodiles, along with birds, are the only living relatives of the archosaurs.
- The largest species is the saltwater crocodile, with the biggest recorded individual named 'Lolong,' measuring 20-2 feet (6.17 meters) and weighing 2,369 pounds (1,075 kg).
- The smallest is the Cuvier's dwarf caiman, reaching a maximum length of 3.9-4.5 feet (1.2-1.4 meters) and weighing between 11-15.4 pounds (5-7 kg).
- The oldest crocodile in the world is Henry, a Nile crocodile. He is at least 124 years old and resides at the Crocworld Conservation Center in South Africa.
