The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is the most widespread of the four extant species of crocodiles from the Americas. It is also one of the largest crocodile species. Males can reach lengths of 6.1 m (20 ft 0 in), weighing up to 907 kg (2,000 lb). Like any other large crocodilian, the American crocodile is potentially dangerous to humans, but it tends not to be as aggressive as some other species.
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NocturnalNocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal",...
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CarnivoreA carnivore meaning 'meat eater' is an organism that derives its energy and nutrient requirements from a diet consisting mainly or exclusively of a...
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SemiaquaticSemiaquatic animals are those that are primarily or partly terrestrial but that spend a large amount of time swimming or otherwise occupied in wate...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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NatatorialNatatorial animals are those adapted for swimming. Some fish use their pectoral fins as the primary means of locomotion, sometimes termed labriform...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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Ambush predatorAmbush predators are carnivorous animals that capture or trap prey by stealth, luring, or by (typically instinctive) strategies utilizing an elemen...
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Apex predatorAn apex predator, also known as a top predator, is a predator at the top of a food chain and has no natural predators. These animals usually occup...
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CongregatoryCongregatory animals tend to gather in large numbers in specific areas as breeding colonies, for feeding, or for resting.
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PolygynyPolygyny is a mating system in which one male lives and mates with multiple females but each female only mates with a single male.
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SolitaryNo
Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withUnlike other species of crocodile, American crocodiles are not green. Their body is either tan grey or olive grey in color, covered with darker patches. Their belly is white or yellowish. The back of the crocodile is partially covered with bony armor, formed by so-called osteoderms or plates, which are more scattered in American crocodiles, than in other crocodile species. The top jaw has pointed teeth, having a conical form, and interlocking with the teeth on the bottom jaw of the animal. They have large fourth teeth on both sides of their bottom jaw, which are prominent even when the jaw is closed. The irises of their eyes are silvery in color while the pupil has a form of a vertical slit, helping the animal see well in low lighting conditions.
American crocodiles are found on Cape Sable as well as along Lake Worth and the southeastern coast of Florida. The area of their distribution includes both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of southern Mexico, stretching to Peru and Venezuela in South America. In addition, this reptile inhabits many Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Cuba, Hispaniola, and Grand Cayman. They live in freshwater environments such as rivers, reservoirs, lakes as well as estuaries, and swamps.
American crocodiles are most active at night. They spend the greater part of the evening submerged in water, which cools slowly, keeping them warm for a long period of time. These are not social animals. They prefer living alone and typically avoid disturbances. However, these crocodiles occasionally socialize, usually at sunset, when the temperature of their body is low. During the dry season, they become inactive: they do without food, spending their time buried in the mud. They love sunbathing, just like alligators. When having sunbaths, they gape, exposing themselves to the sun with their open mouth, which helps them regulate their body temperature. When facing danger, American crocodiles can be extremely aggressive. Unlike other crocodiles, they use acoustic signals to communicate. Crocodile communication is centered on short-distance communications during courtship and hatching.
American crocodiles are apex predators, and any aquatic or terrestrial animal they encounter is potential prey. Their diet mainly consists of small mammals, fish, frogs, birds, and turtles. Hatchlings forage on land, feeding mainly upon insects. Meanwhile, young crocodiles tend to consume aquatic invertebrates and small species of fish.
These reptiles have polygynous mating system, where one male mates with a number of females. During the mating season, the animals become very territorial. Usually, males compete with each other for mating rights. During the breeding season, which lasts from April to May, females lay about 30-60 eggs. The eggs are typically laid in a hole or in an elevated place. As the hatching time approaches, the female visits the nesting site more and more frequently, until, in about 9-10 weeks after being laid, the eggs finally hatch. The female helps the young hatch out of the eggs and later accompanies the hatchlings on their way to the water. Soon the young disperse, leaving the hatching site and living independently. American crocodiles become reproductively mature at the age of 8-10 years.
The species is exposed to illegal hunting and poaching due to its hide. The American crocodile also suffers from the loss of their habitat as a result of human development, pollution, and commercial farming.
On the IUCN Red List, the American crocodile is classified as a Vulnerable species. The overall number of their population is unknown, but presently increasing. However, the total estimated population in Mexico, as well as Central and South America varies from 1000 to 2000 individuals.
The American crocodile is the top predator in its range. Due to preying on a wide variety of animals, this reptile controls populations of these species. In addition, the leftover food of the American crocodile is a source of food for other animals in the area.