Interesting Reptile Facts: Crocodiles and More
The closest you’re going to come to seeing a dinosaur is to take a good look at some of the reptiles of the world. From crocodiles to the Komodo dragon, you can see traces and characteristics that connect modern-day reptiles to the giant beasts of prehistory. In this article, you will learn a handful of interesting reptile facts, including information on the most venomous snakes in the world.
Rarest Lizard in the World
It wasn’t until 1990 that scientists were aware that the Jamaican iguana even existed anymore. The creature was rediscovered after many believed the reptile was extinct. It wasn’t until 1990 that scientists were aware that the Jamaican iguana even existed anymore. The creature was rediscovered after many believed the reptile was extinct. Since 1990, only about 100 adult specimens have been found. The species is on the critically endangered list and can hopefully overcome this status as they live in the southern Jamaican location of Hellshire Hills , a remote region that is home to the only stretch of real dry forest on the island.
A Rare Crocodile
As of 2002, there are fewer than 200 Chinese alligators that live in the wild , making it the rarest crocodilian in the world. These reptiles are found in the lower regions of the Yangtze River in wetlands. The number of Chinese alligators has decreased over the years because their habitat is being destroyed and local farmers kill the creatures. This particular species can reach a length of 6 foot 6 inches and a weight of 88 pounds.
Largest Crocodile
Living in the tropical locations of Asia and the Pacific, the saltwater crocodile (also known as the estuarine) is the largest crocodile species in the world. If you ever have the chance to pay a visit to the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Orissa State, India, you will encounter four of these crocodiles , each measuring more than 19 feet 8 inches long. The largest of the crocodiles is more than 23 feet long.
Over the years, there have been reports that the species can reach up to 33 feet long, but there hasn’t been a specimen of that size for confirmation. The average size of an adult male of the saltwater crocodile species is about 14 to 16 feet long with a weight of 900 to 1,150 pounds.
Smallest Crocodile
In northern South America, the smallest crocodile species in the world is found. The females of the dwarf caiman species rarely get any bigger than 4 feet in length, while the males rarely grow larger than 4 feet 11 inches.
Smart Defense
The body of the thorny devil is a creature covered with a sharp spine that comes in handy when a predator attempts to swallow it.