Philippine Crocodile

Name: Philippine Crocodile
Scientific name: Crocodylus mindorensis
Range: Philippines
Habitat: Mainly restricted to freshwater areas.
Status: Critically threatened 
Diet in the wild: Mainly aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates
Diet in the zoo: N/A
Location in the zoo:  In the Komodo Dragon Exhibit.

 
Physical description: 

 

    • Height 18" 
    • Body length up to 100" for males. 
    • Females are slightly smaller than males.
    • Relatively broad snout for a crocodile.
 
General information: 

Once considered to be a subspecies of the New Guinea Crocodile, the Philippine Crocodile is only found in the Philippine islands.  The Philippine Crocodile does not get as big as some of the saltwater crocodiles that are indigenous to the same area.  This species of crocodile is one of the most severely threatened species around.  The decline of this species was generally due to over exploitation.  There are no more than 500-1000 of these wonderful animals living outside of captivity.  The next 10 or so years will be extremely important to the survival of this animal.
 
 
 

Special anatomical, physiological 
or behavioral adaptations:

The Philippine Crocodile has between 66-68 teeth.  A crocodile's teeth are always growing.  This means that their teeth are constantly falling out and new ones are growing in.  Its back is protected with armored plates made of dermal bone.  

Crocodiles can live up to a hundred years; the genus has hardly changed in 200 million years.  Crocodiles lay eggs in a nest and carry the youngsters to water as they hatch.  

They warm their bodies by lying in the sun, opening their mouths to release heat if they become too warm.  They can float just at the surface of the water, with only ears, eyes and nostrils exposed, adjusting their buoyancy by swallowing stones.  

Although crocodiles are formidable predators, taking prey as large as antelopes, they will allow crocodile birds to scavenge among their teeth.  

 

Comments about the Philippine Crocodile of the Fort Worth Zoo:

This animal was not on exhibit at the times of my visits.

See also the Dwarf Caiman,  American Alligator, Dwarf Crocodile and Gharial at the Fort Worth Zoo.  
 
 

Source Materials and Related Links:

  • Philippine Crocodile:  Animal Pictures Archive:

    • http://www.animalpicturesarchive.com/animal/
    APAsrch3.cgi?qt=Philippine%20crocodile

  • Crocodilians:  Natural History and Conservation: 

    • http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/brittoncrocs/csp_cmin.htm
    http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/natsci/herpetology/brittoncrocs/!cmin2.htm

  • http://www.lineone.net/dictionaryof/animalsplants/m0007554.html

    		•
     
    Page author:  Ryan Craig

    Send E-mail to: luvlu4ever@aol.com

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