Types of Crocodiles

CROCODILIAN SPECIES LIST Are you looking for detailed information on all 23 of the world's living crocodilian species? Read on, brave traveller, for you have entered the realm of the Eusuchia. 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. The American crocodile, the only species found in the United States, lives in southern Florida, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean islands. Most crocodiles are shy; however, the Nile crocodile of Africa and the saltwater crocodile of southeastern Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands are dangerous, and unprovoked attacks on humans are common. Crocodiles are hunted for their meat, their skin (which is made into leather), and their musk (which is used in perfumes). Because of hunting and destruction of their habitat most crocodile species are endangered. Some species of crocodiles are preyed upon by lions, leopards, and tigers. Do Any Crocodiles Live in North America? Yes, one kind of crocodile does live in North America. American crocodiles live on islands in the Caribbean and along the coast of Central America. Some also live in the southernmost part of Florida. American crocodiles can grow to be very large, as large as 20 feet (6.1 meters). But most of these crocodiles are smaller than American alligators. American crocodiles spend their days resting in sheltered waters, among thick plants, or in their dens. They come out at night to feed. They build nests by digging holes in the sand or in a riverbank. Sometimes, if there is no place to dig, American crocodiles build mound nests.

Alligator mississippiensis Alligator sinensis Common name: AMERICAN ALLIGATOR Distribution: Southeast United States Common name: CHINESE ALLIGATOR Distribution: Eastern China Caiman crocodilus Caiman latirostris Common name: SPECTACLED CAIMAN Distribution: Central & South America Common name: BROAD-SNOUTED CAIMAN Distribution: South America Caiman yacare Melanosuchus niger Common name: JACARÉ CAIMAN Distribution: South America Common name: BLACK CAIMAN Distribution: South America Paleosuchus palpebrosus Paleosuchus trigonatus Common name: CUVIER'S DWARF CAIMAN Distribution: South America Common name: SCHNEIDER'S DWARF CAIMAN Distribution: South America Crocodylus acutus Crocodylus cataphractus Common name: AMERICAN CROCODILE Distribution: North, Central & South America Common name: SLENDER-SNOUTED CROCODILE Distribution: Africa Crocodylus intermedius Crocodylus johnstoni Common name: ORINOCO CROCODILE Distribution: South America Common name: AUSTRALIAN FRESHWATER CROCODILE Distribution: Australia Crocodylus mindorensis Crocodylus moreletii Common name: PHILIPPINE CROCODILE Distribution: Philippines Common name: MORELET'S CROCODILE Distribution: Central America Crocodylus niloticus Crocodylus novaeguineae Common name: NILE CROCODILE Distribution: Africa, Madagascar Common name: NEW GUINEA CROCODILE Distribution: Papua New Guinea, Irian Jaya Crocodylus palustris Crocodylus porosus Common name: MUGGER Distribution: Indian subcontinent Common name: ESTUARINE CROCODILE Distribution: SE Asia Crocodylus rhombifer Crocodylus siamensis Common name: CUBAN CROCODILE Distribution: Cuba Common name: SIAMESE CROCODILE Distribution: SE Asia Osteolaemus tetraspis Tomistoma schlegelii Common name: AFRICAN DWARF CROCODILE Distribution: Africa Common name: FALSE GHARIAL Distribution: SE Asia Gavialis gangeticus Common name: INDIAN GHARIAL Distribution: Indian subcontinent