Cuban Crocodile

The Cuban crocodile is a small-medium species of crocodile endemic to Cuba. Typical length is 2.1–2.3 m and typical weight 70–80 kg. Large males can reach as much as 3.5 m in length and weigh more than 215 kg. Despite its smaller size, it is a highly aggressive animal, and potentially dangerous to humans. Adult Cuban crocodiles can generally grow up to 10.5 feet (3.5 meters) long, with males growing larger than females. Bigger individuals have been found in the past but are now rare. These crocodiles have the smallest range of any crocodile, encompassing an area less than 200 square miles (500 square kilometers). The Cuban Crocodile has a short, broad head with a bony ridge located behind the eyes. Large scales from the dorsal shield extend onto the back of the neck. Scales on the legs are larger than usual and heavily keeled on the two rear legs.

Conservation status: Critically Endangered

Population: around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles

Scientific name: Crocodylus rhombifer

Order: Crocodilia

Phylum: Chordata

Kingdom: Animalia