Dwarf Crocodile
Dwarf crocodile is a species of crocodile found in Africa. It is the smallest surviving species of crocodile. There are two subspecies of this species. The species is slow, timid and mainly nocturnal.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Subphylum | Vertebrata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Crocodilia |
Family | Crocodylidae |
Genus | Osteolaemus |
Scientific Name | Osteolaemus tetraspis |
Other Names | African Dwarf Crocodile, Broad-snouted Crocodile, Bony Crocodile |
Size | Around 1.5 m; largest recorded specimen measures 1.9 m |
Weight | 18 to 32 kg; largest males weigh around 80 kg whereas largest females weigh up to 40 kg |
Color | Back and side is uniform black, underside is yellowish with black patches |
Distribution | Sub-Saharan West Africa, West Central Africa |
Habitat | Swamps, rain forest rivers |
Diet | Vertebrates, large invertebrates like crustaceans, fish, birds, carrion |
Hibernation Fact | Hibernate during cold weather |
Breeding Season | May – June |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 20 to 30 eggs |
Incubation Period | 85 to 105 days |
Reproductive Age | 5 to 6 years of age |
Average Lifespan | 30 – 40 years |
IUCN Conservation Status | Vulnerable |
Dwarf Crocodile Pictures Gallery
Published on November 22nd 2016 by staff under Crocodiles,Crocodilians. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019.