Reptile Watch 101: How Many Crocodile Species Are There?

 

Crocodiles are one of the most ancient and powerful reptiles. They have been roaming the Earth for over 200 million years. That’s a clear testament to their power and adaptability. These fierce predators are part of the Crocodylidae family. Crocodiles are famous for their massive jaws, armored bodies, and unmatched hunting skills.

Many people are familiar with saltwater crocodiles thanks to movies like Lake Placid. But there are other types of crocodiles. How many crocodile species are there? There are 14 species recognized as true crocodiles. There are other sub-species, like the spectacled caiman. But scientists say they’re among the different types of alligators. You can find true crocodiles across Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Americas. Let’s take a quick look at the different crocodile types.

The saltwater or marine crocodile is the fiercest on the planet. It can grow up to 23 feet or 7 meters long. You can find this reptile in Australia, India, and Southeast Asia. The saltwater croc can survive in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They thrive in coastal areas, rivers, and swamps.

The Nile crocodile is a large beast. It clocks in at 20 feet or 6 meters and is second in size to the saltwater croc. The Nile crocodile is a native of Africa’s rivers, lakes, and marshes. It can live in saline waters but isn’t often found in these habitats. The Nile crocodile is also one of the most aggressive crocodiles around. It’s responsible for many attacks on humans. You can find them all over the Americas.

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