Orinoco Crocodile
(Crocodylus intermedius)
Facts
IUCN CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (CR)
Facts about this animal
The Orinoco Crocodile has a very long snout, up to 2.8 times as long as broad at the level of the front corners of the eyes and more than 5 times as long as broad at the level of the nasal swelling. The surface is smooth, without bony ridges or unpaired elevations in front of the eyes. The colour of the upper body surface is olive, with dark crossbands on the trunk and on the tail. The lower surface is uniformly light, without dark blotches. The iris is greenish. It can grow up to a length of 7 m, but is usually about 4 m.
Did you know?
that all crocs store fat in their tails, so they can go for quite a while without eating if necessary as long as two years for some big adults?
| Factsheet | |
|---|---|
| Class | REPTILIA |
| Order | CROCODYLIA |
| Suborder | EUSUCHIA |
| Family | CROCODYLIDAE |
| Name (Scientific) | Crocodylus intermedius |
| Name (English) | Orinoco Crocodile |
| Name (French) | Crocodile de l'Orénoque |
| Name (German) | Orinokokrokodil |
| Name (Spanish) | Cocodrilo del Orinoco |
| CITES Status | Appendix I |
| CMS Status | Not listed |
Photo Copyright by
Mauriciogq
Distribution
| Distribution | |
|---|---|
| Range | Colombia, Venezuela |
| Habitat | Freshwater riverine |
| Wild population | Approx.:250-1.500 in 2009 (Crocodilian 2012).C. intermedius is today one of the most endangered crocodile species in the world. This giant (up to a length of 7m) lives today only in very few spots in Colombia and Venezuela and is highly threatened by illegal killing and habitat destruction, despite strict protection and management through ranching. |
| Zoo population | 13 reported to ISIS |
In the Zoo
How this animal should be transported
For air transport, Container Note 42 of the IATA Live Animals Regulations should be followed.
Find this animal on ZooLex
Photo Copyright by
Mauriciogq
Why do zoos keep this animal
C. intermedius is very rarely exhibited in zoos. Breeding for conservation purposes would however be higly welcome in this species.