West African Dwarf Crocodiles
Description:The West African Dwarf Crocodile lives in the tropical forests of West and Central Africa. They are found mostly in the countries of Senegal, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola. These crocodiles grow around 2 m in length, with the male crocodile larger in size than the female. Once an adult, they become greyish-black in colour with a splotched yellow stomach. They also develop thick scales that act as a natural armour. A female crocodile lays approximately 20 eggs per year after mating (which is usually done during the wet season, when swamps flood and provide the crocodiles with more nutrients and food than usual thus creating suitable conditions for mating). Her eggs are layed in a nest mound of vegetation near the water, although far enough from it so the eggs will not be affected by a flood. Once the eggs have hatched the mother carries them to a nursery pool with the baby crocodiles in her mouth; a gesture previously assumed to be her eating her babies, instead of caring for them.
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Taxonomic Classification:Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata Class: Sauropsida Order: Crocodilia Family: Crocodylidae Genus: Osteolaemus Species: O. tetraspis source
The female crocodile carries her newly hatched baby to a nursery pond. She carries the baby in her mouth, yet does not harm said baby. |
Habitat Comparison
Zoo Enclosure |
Crocodiles' Natural Habitat |
The habitats in the zoo enclosure and the wild are very similar. In this enclosure, the crocodiles are provided with similar trees found in the rainforest, a small pond and the proper type of soil. In my opinion, this would be an accurate representation of the natural ecosystem crocodiles are a part of. A crocodile's natural habitat is usually close to a densely vegetated swampy area, where they are close to the food they need to survive and also close to a pond to stay moist and hydrated. A swamp is not the only body of water crocodiles are usually found in; they can be found near slow rivers and streams as well.The temperature at the exhibit also mirror the temperatures those crocodiles would need in the wild.