Crocodiles?

Question

I have to write a project about crocodiles and I need your help.

Can somebody tell me something about the crocodiles breeding habits and nesting sites?
If you know anything else about them please answer.
:)

Answer 1

The following is an excerpt from the first link below...

The second link provides even more links for homework help on crocodiles...

American crocodile

Crocodylus is derived from the Greek krokodeilos which means literally "pebble worm" (kroko = pebble; deilos = worm, or man) referring to the appearance of a crocodile.

HABITAT:
Both freshwater (including river, lakes and reservoirs) and brackish coastal habitats (including tidal estuaries, coastal lagoons and mangrove swamps). This species also constructs long burrows for as a retreat from adverse conditions.

Estimated wild population: 10,000 to 20,000

One of the larger crocodilian species. Males typically reach 5 metres,with reports of 6 and even 7 meter animals (unconfirmed). Dorsal armour is irregular and much reduced in comparison with other species. There is a distinctive swelling in front of each eye,visible in all except the hatchlings. Juveniles are lighter coloured than more mature animals,with banding on the body and tail. Adults take on an olive brown colour.

BREEDING:

Females reach sexual maturity at lengths of 2.5 m. Populations adapt their breeding strategy to suit the environment. This species is mainly a hole nester, but populations without access to suitable nest sites which can be excavated (relatively well drained) will build mound nests using whatever nesting materials are available. Flooding creates high mortality.

Nesting occurs during the dry season (to minimise flooding, especially in hole nests which are in danger of falling below the water table after heavy rains), following an extended courtship period which can last up to two months. The minimum number of eggs laid in the nest can be around 20 in some populations, but is usually between 30 and 60, the mean being around 38. Nests are often found which contain eggs from two separate females. Hatching, after around 90 days, coincides with the beginning of the annual rains. At hatching, juveniles are around 25 cm in length.

The degree of parental care seems to be variable, with some sources noting minimal protection of the nest and the newly hatched juveniles,while others report a higher degree of parental attention,from guarding the nest (a burrow is constructed nearby),to assisting the hatching juveniles and subsequently protecting them (predators include birds, wild cats, raccoons and even large fish).

It appears that the juveniles move away from the nesting area within a few days of hatching. They have been noted to vocalise less than other species during the first few weeks of life. It has been suggested that this lack of parental care and early juvenile dispersal is a direct result of the high hunting pressures.

hope you get an "A"

Answer 2

The crocodile is a large aquatic reptile that lives throughout the Tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. Crocodiles tend to congregate in freshwater habitats like rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water. Some species, notably the Saltwater Crocodile of Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific islands often live along the coastal areas. It is also known to venture far out to sea. They mostly feed on vertebrates like fish, reptiles, and mammals, sometimes with invertebrates like mollusks and crustaceans, depending on species.

Crocodiles are ambush hunters, waiting for fish or land animals to come close, then rushing out to attack. As cold-blooded predators, they can survive long periods without food, and rarely need to actively go hunting. The crocodile's bite strength is up to 3,000 pounds per square inch, comparing to just 100 psi for a labrador retriever, 350 psi for a large shark, or 800 psi for a hyena.

Despite their slow appearance, crocodiles are top predators in their environment, and various species have been observed attacking and killing sharks.

A famous exception is the Egyptian Plover which is said to enjoy a symbiotic relationship with the crocodile. According to unauthenticated reports, the plover feeds on parasites that infest the crocodile's mouth and the reptile will open its jaws and allow the bird to enter to clean out the mouth.

Crocodiles eat fish, birds, mammals and occasionally smaller crocodiles. Wild crocodiles are protected in many parts of the world, but they also are farmed commercially.

The larger species of crocodiles can be very dangerous to humans. The Saltwater and Nile Crocodiles are the most dangerous, killing hundreds of people each year in parts of South-East Asia and Africa. Mugger crocodiles and possibly the endangered Black Caiman, are also very dangerous to humans. American alligators are less aggressive and rarely assault humans without provocation. Crocodiles are the leading cause of animal related deaths as of 2001.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You can find more at the source.

Answer 3

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/brittoncrocs/cnhc.html
this site has great information about the breeding and nesting habits of crocodiles. Good Luck.

Answer 4

Did you know
Crocodile can have greatest bite force ever in animals ,
pls check below how
www.factdemon.comcrocodile-can-have-greatest-bite-force-ever-in-animals

Answer 5

Try this: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/crocs/ Do you know how to do a search on the internet? That would be very beneficial to learn.