There is a world somewhere between reality and fiction. Although ignored by many, it is very real and so are those living in it. This forum is about the natural world. Here, wild animals will be heard and respected. The forum offers a glimpse into an unknown world as well as a room with a view on the present and the future. Anyone able to speak on behalf of those living in the emerald forest and the deep blue sea is invited to join.
08-09-2020, 11:11 AM( This post was last modified: 08-09-2020, 11:13 AM by Ashutosh )
There are no orinoco crocs recorded in modern times over 5.2 metres and the one which you highlighted from Sundarbans is bigger than the biggest orinoco croc recently because when Guiness measured them, they couldn’t find one over 4.2 metres. It has been claimed they can reach lengths of 5.2 metres, but unless, one measures that big these days, it’s all speculation. Historical figures of Orinoco crocs reaching 20 feet are in the same category of claims as Amur tigers weighing 300 kilos on average (gross exaggeration).
Secondly, Sundarbans is 120 kilometres away from Bhitarkanika which houses some of the largest crocodilians on the planet with at least 4 measuring over 20 feet. There might not be any research on crocs from Sundarbans owing to their small number, but, Bhitarkanika has been watched over extensively.
That is a 3 day swim for any saltwater croc. Are the saltwater crocs in Sundarbans smaller than ones in Bhitarkanika? Sure. But, they aren’t smaller than orinoco crocs who barely even reach 4.5 metres in length these days. Even exceptional mugger crocs are bigger than that.