INTO THE WILD, LAND, AND WATER - The Versatile Reptile, Crocodiles

Josh Nicholas Dela Cruz

DID YOU KNOW? 

Some of the top predators in the food chain belonged to the Order Crocodilia a hundred million years ago during the Mesozoic era. Crocodiles can currently be found in the tropical regions of Africa, Asia, Australia, and America. They typically reside near rivers, wetlands, lakes, and sometimes even saltwater areas.

Due to their cold-blooded nature and inability to produce heat, crocodiles can only survive in tropical regions. They adopt a state of inactivity that is similar to hibernation during the colder months known as aestivation, which entails slowing down their body functions. During protracted droughts, crocodiles can go into aestivation by carving out a tunnel on the edge of a riverbank or lake and tucking themselves in for a protracted slumber.

Multiple species of crocodiles range in size. Osteolaemus Tetraspis, also known as the dwarf crocodile, is the smallest and can reach lengths of 5.6 feet or 1.7 meters and weighs between 13 and 15 pounds or 6 to 7 kilograms. On the other hand, Crocodylus Porosus, also known as the saltwater crocodile, is the biggest and may reach lengths of up to 23 feet or 6.5 meters and weigh as much as 2,000 pounds or 907 kg. Moreover, crocodiles can replace a lost tooth right away. They rip their prey with the help of their powerful teeth and during this process, they frequently lose some but they may regrow their teeth many times throughout their lives, unlike humans. When a tooth is torn out, replacements sprout inside the primary set to prevent the animal from going entirely without teeth, which also implies that most of the ones that fall out are hollow. 

Crocodilians have evolved to gain as much heat and lose as little water as possible. In essence, they are unable to cool off through sweating as we do as humans. They developed additional cooling techniques, including the ability to open their mouths and essentially sweat through them, comparable to how a dog pants to cool itself.

Crocodiles play a huge role for us humans, as well as in the environment. When crocodiles reach adulthood, they control their populations, preventing ecosystems from being harmed by overcrowding. By digging and creating nests, crocodiles also help establish habitats for other animals. They prevent land animals from using and consuming scarce water resources during the dry season with the help of their presence, resulting in the protection of aquatic life and systems. Humans also benefit from the preservation and restoration of crocodile habitats by having access to clean water and a plentiful fish population; hence, we should remember to take good care of them and leave them alone, especially if they are not doing any harm to us.

Source/s:

Augustine, L. (2015, June 18). The Croc and Gator Blog. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/news/croc-and-gator-blog-jun-18-2015#:~:text=It's%20similar%20to%20a%20dog,essentially%20sweating%20through%20their%20mouths.

Bradford, A. (2022, July 15). Crocodiles: Facts and photos of some of the toothiest reptiles. https://www.livescience.com/28306-crocodiles.html

Miller, M. T. (2022, April 11). Crocodiles have more teeth inside their teeth. https://nerdist.com/article/crocodile-teeth-grow-inside-other-teeth/#:~:text=Unlike%20humans%2C%20they%20are%20able,when%20one%20gets%20ripped%20out.

Oceana. (n.d.). Saltwater Crocodiles. https://oceana.org/marine-life/saltwater-crocodile/

World Animal Protection. (2021, May 7). Amazing animals – compelling crocodiles. https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/blogs/amazing-animals-compelling-crocodiles1#:~:text=During%20the%20dry%20season%2C%20the,supplies%20and%20healthy%20fish%20supplies.

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