How To Distinguish the 3 Types of Crocodilians

Alligator

Has a broader and shorter head than the crocodile. The fourth tooth of the lower jaw fits into a socket in the uipper jaw and is not visible when the mouth is closed. The fourth tooth on the upper jaw is the best developed. There are four genera with seven species found only in America with the exception of one species which occurs in a small part of Asia.

Crocodile

Has a longer snout. The fourth tooth of the lower jaw lies in a notch in the upper jaw, which is seen when the mouth is closed. The largest tooth of the upper jaw is the fifth one. Found in Africa, south-eastern Asia, New Guinea, Australia and parts of America.

Ghavial

Has the longest and thinnest snout of the three. The teeth are all the same size. There is only one species alive today. Found in India and the coast of Burma.

Underwater Behaviour
Although crocodiles spend some time on land, they are more at home in the water. They are strong swimmers and the power lies in the tail, which is used as a scull. Small crocodiles have been known to stay underwater without breathing for 45 minutes and larger ones for over an hour. The valves in their nostrils close when underwater and the heart rate may drop to 2-3 beats per minute to conserve energy. In the stomachs of large crocodiles, stones weighing up to one per cent of the bodies can be found.


Habitat: Mangrove swamp, rivers, and open sea.

NATURAL DIET: Marine as well as land animals like wild pigs, monkeys, deers, and water birds.

REPRODUCTION: About 20 to 50 eggs are laid in a nest mound of earth and vegetation, which is zealously guarded by the female. The young call from inside the eggs when they are ready to emerge, after an incubation of between 86 to 90 days.

REMARKS: Solitary by nature, but gather in small groups during the breeding seasons, where males compete with each other for the females.