Published October 6, 2022 | Animal Knowledge, Animals, Conservation, Endangered, Wildlife

Crocodiles (family Crocodylidae) are large semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. The term “crocodile” sometimes includes all extant members of the order Crocodilia, including the alligators and caimans (family Alligatoridae) and the gharial and false gharial (family Gavialidae).

The 22 species of extant crocodilians share remarkable similarities in morphology:

Tail

The tail of a crocodile is composed of solid muscle, providing significant power for swimming. They can make sudden lunges out of the water to capture prey, and the tail acts as a counterbalance when targeting larger objects.

Feet

While crocodile feet are not designed for propelling through water, their webbed feet enable fast turns and facilitate swift movements in the water. The webbing is particularly advantageous in shallow water, where they sometimes move by walking. On land, crocodiles can briefly reach speeds of up to 17 km/h using their short legs.

Skin

Crocodiles have skin covered with keratinized scales, some of which are reinforced with bony plates or osteoderms. The neck and flanks are covered with flexible skin, while flat-squarish scutes in rows protect the abdomen and sides of the tail. These scales have sensory pores similar to the lateral line of fishes.

Jaw & Teeth

Crocodiles have evolved sharp teeth for piercing and holding onto flesh. Their powerful jaw muscles can exert immense force, resulting in the strongest bite among all animals. While their teeth are not primarily used for tearing flesh, they are highly advantageous in preventing prey from escaping.

Eyes

Crocodiles have excellent vision in the dark, making them mostly nocturnal hunters. Their eyes contain a horizontal streak of tightly packed receptors called the fovea, which significantly extends their scope of sight.

REMINDER: THEY ARE DEADLY PREDATORS!

Saltwater crocodiles are highly intelligent and sophisticated animals. They use various forms of communication, including vocalizations as well as visual and chemical signals. Crocodiles spend most of their time thermoregulating to maintain their body temperature. During summer days, they tend to stay in the water with only their eyes and nostrils showing. If they feel too cold, they will sunbathe on the ground.

As ambush predators, crocodiles lie in wait just below the waterline and capture unsuspecting prey from the shore as they come to drink.

Understanding crocodile morphology is essential for their preservation. Join us in supporting animal conservation at Bali Safari Park!