A bit more about crocodiles.

  I think we should learn how to tell a crocodile and an alligator apart. One of the things I learned is:

All alligators are crocodiles, but not all crocodiles are alligators. Sound confusing? It's really not once you look at the taxonomy. Both alligators and crocodiles are members of the reptilian order Crocodylia. But the families they belong to, Alligatoridae and Crocodylidae respectively, differ. Often, when people use the word "crocodile" what they really mean is "crocodilian." This term encompasses not just the common alligators and crocodiles you might already know, but also the lesser known Gavialidae family that contains the lone gavial, or gharial. All told, there are 23 species of crocodilians.

 We are going to have to study the scientific classification to understand that. We can all try to understand together...it is really confusing.


 I wonder how they are different. Let's make a chart. This website can help us

                      Crocodile         |    Alligator
Color

Size

Habitation

Reproduction

Life Span

How else might they differ? 

One thing I learned is that the American Crocodile is endangered. Thank goodness for those crazy people in belize rescuing them. (Yes I can respect them and appreciate them and think they are totally crazy. Crazy can be good sometimes)

Here is a bit more about the american croc:

• American crocodiles inhabit both freshwater and saltwater habitats, such as mangrove swamps, brackish creeks, and coastal canals. They are most commonly found in tropical wetlands such as mangrove-lined saltwater estuaries and lagoons.

• In the United States, they are only found in salt and brackish water in the southern tip of Florida mainland and the Florida keys.

•  They are known to construct long burrows or dens near their nesting sites, usually three to nine meters into creek banks, with the entrance at or below the water.

• Diet consists of fish and other small marine animals. Larger crocodiles may feed on small mammals, birds, and turtles. In Florida, they are known to eat bass, tarpon, and mullet. There are very few reports of the species attacking humans.

•  They prefer to nest in the dry season, and females lay as many as 40 eggs, and the eggs hatch after about 90 days. Only the female guards the nest and assists with hatching, but both parents guard the young after they hatch.

hey -- do crocs stay with the same mate all their life like ospreys and geese?