The ancestors of crocodiles were already established when dinosaurs started to appear. In relative terms, this will be a brief history of the evolution of present day crocodilians, including debates over current taxonomy.

 

Crocodiles are a magnificent reptile! They are one of the oldest living species of reptile that have sustained very little evolutionary change for millions of years. They have lived through thousands of wars, planetary changes and have endured countless natural phenomenon.  In the past 30 years, the crocodile of the world have faced their toughest challenge yet, mankind.

 

The American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, cousin to the rest of the crocodile in the world is severely in danger of losing the battle of survival. They are spread far and wide between the southern coastal regions of Florida reaching into the Central American countries through the tip of South America, Cuba and  the rest of the Caribbean islands. They are commonly found in freshwater rivers and inlets and also in brackish coastal waters such as mangrove thickets.

 

This species of crocodilian is fairly large. The average size of an adult male is between 16' to 19' in length. In more remote areas, males have been reported to be bigger.  Surprising, a large reptile like this doesn't forage for food on a daily basis. Crocodilians can go without eating for sometimes almost two years.Common food for the crocodile is pig, deer, small birds and mammals. They are ambush predators. This means that they rely upon the element of surprise to obtain a kill. They lie in the water completely still until their unsuspecting meal closes in on their position. Then with great force and power, the crocodile launches out of the water and clamps on to their target.  With approximately 11 tons of pressure, death is instantaneous.

 

Finally, Crocodilians exhibit complex and advanced behaviour as they interact with others, and make survival decisions. And they eat things too.