Cuban Crocodiles

Cuban crocodiles are a critically endangered species of crocodile with a very limited habitat range. They live in just 200 square miles in Cuba’s Zapata Swamp. However, they used to be found in the Cayman Islands and in the Bahamas. These crocs like water that is similar to that of the everglades – freshwater marshes and swamps. They are not fans of salt water. A Cuban crocodile can live for up to 75 years. Their heads are broad and short with a bony ridge behind their eyes. Most of their skin is green and olive black but they have yellow speckles and they also have a darker coloration at the top of their body. The tails are blotched or banded and the bellies are pale. There is a dorsal shield made up of osteoderms (bony plates) that extends up the back to the neck. Overall, they are a medium-sized crocodile and grow to around 10 feet in length.

The Life of a Cuban Crocodile

When they live in groups, Cuban crocodiles have a hierarchical structure based on size, temperament, and gender. They can move around well both on land and in water because they are good at walking, leaping, and swimming. Mornings are often spent soaking up the sun or lounging in warm water – they need to do this to raise their body temperature and are sluggish when they are cold. It is also needed after they have eaten to raise their metabolism. While the younger crocs feed on small fish and invertebrates, the adults eat small mammals, larger fish, and turtles. They are also perfectly capable of using powerful tail thrusts to leap out of the water to catch birds in trees. Breeding season is a critical time for them. It usually begins in May and carries on for up to four months. They construct mound nests and lay between 30 and 40 eggs (measuring around 2.5 inches) but sadly many hatchlings will not make it to adulthood because they are eaten by birds, other reptiles, and even by other Cuban crocodiles. A fascinating fact is that the temperature of the nest dictates the gender of the young crocs. It needs to be between 89.6 and 90.5 degrees Fahrenheit to produce males!

Next Up:

Watch an Elephant Battle a Crocodile to the DeathWatch a Gigantic Crocodile Cannibalize a Smaller CrocWatch a Baby Hippo Bite a Crocodile’s Tail Like a Giant Chew Toy!