Description:

The grassland crocorex (Minabutacrocodylus rex) is a species of crocorex native to African continent. They are 1.5 to 2 meters at the shoulder and 3.1 to 4.8 meters from head to tail. They weigh 1280 to 3660 kilograms. They are usually olive green with a yellowish-white under-belly. They have two large osteoderms above the eyes and a series along the back and tail. Their head is boxier than their ancestors, producing a strong bone-crushing bite force. They have upright legs similar to mammals and birds, designated for running and walking long distances. This leg posture is derived from their terrestrial lifestyle, which derived due to an absence of large opportunistic carnivore. Crocorexes can live up to 100 years old but have an average lifespan of 50 to 60 years.

Distribution:

Grassland crocorexes are native to the savanna of the Congo Savannah, also inhabit open woodland, bushland, and transitional forests of the continent.

Diet:

The grassland crocorexes are opportunistic apex predators and scavengers. These predators eat medium to large-sized reptiles, birds, and mammals of the region. But, most of their diet consists of both carrion and other predators kills. They often considered kleptoparasites given that up to 63% of their prey is taken from other apex predators of the Congo Savannah. They are mainly uncontested in this region given that their armor and size that give them an advantage over most other predators. Most crocorexes also prey on various other predators, making them a serious threat for all fauna of the region. Although they are apex predators as adults, baby crocorexes prey on insects, small bits of meat, rodents, and other small animals. As they age, they eat progressively larger prey proportional to their body size.

Parental Behavior:

As much as grassland crocorexes are considered killers, the mother crocorexes keep the strong parental instincts their ancestors had. Grassland crocorexes lay their eggs in nests that they construct by digging up a small hole and lay their eggs in there. Once the eggs hatch, the young crocorexes communicate to their mom with a high-pitched whine. The mother will then dig up her young. Once the mother crocorex unburies the young, the mother will carry their young on their back. The mother crocorex will walk across the grassland and find food for their young. They will try to tear pieces of meat into smaller pieces, making it easier for their offspring to eat the meat. Although they are protective parents, only 1% of the young survive until adulthood. This lack of survivors is due to various factors, such as predators, being lost by their mother, weather, etc. Still, the crocorexes are fantastic parents who contribute to their young's success.

General Behavior:

Like other predators of the region, most of their day is spent resting. Unlike most predators, however, they are almost completely diurnal. This diurnal lifestyle allows them to get the necessary sunlight and heat to function together. It also allows them to have limited competition with other species that hunt during the night. Although they usually bask during the morning, they are active between 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. During this time, they will find food, water, and hunting places. Crocorexes can travel up to 13 kilometers to find food and water. They are defensive animals when faced with other predators. They often try to warn predators off with a loud hiss or snapping their jaw before trying to fight any animal. If this behavior does not work, the crocorex uses its tail, mouth, or body to harm the other animal. They may also try to run away if fighting back does not work.