Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)

[epaiva]

The Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) is a critically endangered crocodile. Its population is very small and it can be found only in freshwater enviroments in Venezuela and Colombia with about 2000 individuals in Venezuela and 200 in Colombia, in particular the Orinoco River and its tributaries. Extensively hunted for their skins in the 19th and 20th centuries, this species is one of the most critically endangered species of crocodiles. It is one of the larger species of crocodilian. Males have been reported up to 6,6 m. (22 ft) in the past, but such sizes do not exist today, largest males today measure 5 m (16 ft). Males average 4,1 m (13 ft) in length weighing 380 kg (840 lb), while females are substantially smaller averaging 225 kg (496 lb) measuring 3,30 m long. The coloration is light even in adults.
The Orinoco crocodile is an apex predator and will take opportunity to prey on a variety of reptiles, birds, and mammals, including Caiman crocodilus on occasion. The prey base is mostly made up of large predatory fish, challenging the general view by locals complaining about crocodile hunting local fish to a very low numbers, despite its large size the Orinoco crocodile rarely poses a threat to humans. Reproduction takes place in the dry season when the water level is lower.
Orinoco crocodiles are hole nesters, diggins holes in the sand to lay their eggs. The females guard the nests and young upto several years.
Photos taken in Puerto Miranda, Estado Guarico and Hato El Frio, Apure, Venezuela.

*This image is copyright of its original author

*This image is copyright of its original author

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