Fun Facts!

While these crocs have a big, strong grip with their sharp teeth, they can’t chew food into smaller pieces. They tear pieces of food by thrashing their heads back and forth, and swallow the smaller chunks.

A crocodile can open its mouth and seize prey underwater without water being swallowed or entering their windpipe.

Like sharks, crocodiles grow new teeth throughout their life.

Not just for the big cats: When they become angry or agitated, crocodiles can produce a roar, or bellowing sound.

A crocodile’s taste buds are on the roof of their mouth. Their tongue is attached to the bottom jaw and can’t be lifted up.

Most crocodiles can run up to 8 mph for short periods of time. Crocodiles cry, but not out of sadness; their tears clean the eye, to reduce the growth of bacteria.
 

West African Dwarf Crocodile

Osteolaemus tetraspis

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

The West African dwarf crocodile is the world's smallest species of crocodile, growing up to five feet in length. By contrast, the Nile crocodile can reach 15 feet in length. It is dark brown to light brown in color, has a heavily scaled neck, back and tail, and a blunt, short snout. As with all crocodiles, its jaws are designed to close on prey with maximum force. Because its smaller size makes it more vulnerable to predators, the dwarf crocodile has a dense body armor covering its neck and body.

Crocodiles vs. Alligators: often mistaken for alligators, crocodiles have a smaller snout that is almost v-shaped. An alligator’s snout is broad and has a u-shape. Also, the teeth of a crocodile are still visible when their mouth is closed: an alligator’s teeth are hidden.

HABITAT

The West African dwarf crocodile is found throughout much of West Africa in freshwater, tropical grassland and tropical rainforest. They prefer slow-moving bodies of water, and will dig burrows that often have two passageways near the water’s edge.

DIET IN THE WILD

Their diet consists primarily of fish, frogs and crustaceans.

BEHAVIOR

West African dwarf crocodiles are slow and timid. They usually live alone and are nocturnal, coming out of burrows to feed at night. During the dry season, they will spend more time in their burrows. Like all reptiles, crocodiles have to regulate their body temperature (unlike most mammals, whose body temperature automatically stays at a consistent temperature). They can often be seen basking in the sun to warm themselves. Since they can’t sweat to cool themselves, they will lie on hand with their mouths open to release body heat.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION

They are vulnerable to hunting and pet-seekers. Destruction of wetlands and forests play a substantial role in destroying dwarf crocodile habitats.

LIFE SPAN

Dwarf crocodiles can live to 75 years.