American Crocodile

Crocodylus acutus

American crocodiles are well-armored with tough, scaly skin. They are gray-green or olive-green with long, slender snouts, which distinguish them from their cousin, the alligator. Also unlike the alligator, the fourth tooth on the bottom jaw of the American crocodile is visible when its mouth is closed. South Florida is the only place in which the crocodile and the alligator occur together.

 

Length 7- 15 feet

Weight 150- 450 lbs

Lifespan 60-70 years

 

Diet

Small fish, invertebrates, reptiles, birds and mammals

Population

There are more than 1,000 American crocodiles, not including hatchlings, in Florida .

Range

American crocodiles are found in southern Florida , the Caribbean, southern Mexico and along the Central American coast south to Venezuela .

 

Reproduction

Mating Season January and February

Gestation 2-3 month egg incubation

Clutch size 35-50 eggs 

In April or May, the female crocodile will build a nest of loose dirt in a mound by the water's edge and lay her eggs. She buries the eggs and fiercely guards her nest. When the eggs hatch in July or early August, the female helps carry her young to the water, but, unlike the alligator, she will not continue to care for her young.

 

Threats

Once hunted intensively for their hides, today, loss of habitat to human development, illegal killing and roadkill are the greatest threats faced by American crocodiles.

 

Legal Status/Protection

 

 

 

return to process