Crocodiles
Habitat
Crocodiles live in the large watering holes and/or occasional lakes on the beautiful African plains. They roam not far from their watery homes on the wild, golden grass, while at the same time they're just sunbathing. They also like the shade offered by the acacia trees dotting the savannas, since they can return to their "water bed" without a sunburn. They usually live alone, even though sometimes they form groups for warmth, meat, and mating.
Diet
Crocodiles are carnivores, which means that they eat meat. Where they live (in Africa), they eat things like zebras, giraffes, and gazelles that stray beside their homes in the water. When they kill their prey, they do it using their handy friend: the water. They grab the animal by the leg or neck and violently drag and whip them around as they retreat into the water. Once in the water, the crocodile will keep harming it's prey until all goes still. The prey has drowned, and the crocodile has its next meal. Also, when crocodiles eat food, they eat in all in one piece- no chewing. They just choke it down and their stomach does the rest.
Description
Crocodiles look like giant lizards with razor-sharp teeth. They are large and scaly, and a deep forest green color. Also, they have very long snouts with wicked sharp teeth that stick out of their mouths unevenly. Their tails are long and rigged with short, mild spikes. They have stout feet that have four long, extremely sharp claws on each foot. There's your standard crocodile!
Types
There are many, many different types of crocodiles. Here's a list of all of them: the Indo-Pacific or saltwater crocodile, the swamp crocodile, the Nile crocodile, the Cuban crocodile, Morelet's crocodile, the Orinoco crocodile, Johnston's crocodile, the Siamese crocodile, the mugged or Indian freshwater crocodile, the Gharial or long-snouted crocodile, the false Gharial crocodile, and the American crocodile. That's a lot of crocodiles!!!
Fun Facts
- Crocodiles do not have sweat glands. Instead they release heat through their mouth cavities and sometimes pant like a dog to release heat.
- Crocodiles are amazing swimmers and divers. They are never far from water.
- A crocodile's back feet are webbed, like a duck's.
- Crocodiles can move up to 28 miles on land. They can move up to about 99 miles in the water in super short burst, which makes them excellent hunters!