Crocodiles (Crocodylidae family)
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Some 250 million years ago, during the Permian period, reptiles (other than turtles) split into two main subclasses, the Lepidosaurs (from which modern day lizards and snakes would evolve), and the Archosaurs (from which crocodilians, dinosaurs and birds would evolve). Today, basically only the crocodilians and birds remain from the era of the Dinosaur and the corocodilians are the only reptile connection.
Crocodiles show more complex social behaviour that most reptiles. All crocodiles are aquatic and good swimmers, they are heavily armoured powerful predators. Unlike other reptiles, they have an abdominal diaphram and four-chambered heart making them more similar to mammals in this respect.
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PHILIPPINE CROCODILE (MINDORO CROCODILE)
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|  | Crocodylus mindorensis
| A relatively small species, the largest males grow to a maximum length of around 3 metres (10 feet). The Philippine Freshwater Crocodile is Critically Endangered and considered to be at a very high risk of extinction due to the low population and local threats. Living in freshwater bodies such as lakes, swamps, tributaries and marshes, crocodiles may live for as long as 100 years.
STATUS: CRITICALLY ENDANGERED (<200 Pop.)
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Image: David Warwick (Melbourne Zoo - Dec 2004)
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SALTWATER CROCODILE
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| | Crocodylus porosus
| Although this infant may not show it, Saltwater Crocodiles are the largest living reptile on the planet, growing as large as 7 metres (23 feet) in length and approaching 1,000kg in weight (although specimens over 5 metres are very rare). Inhabiting a broad area of the Indopacific from northern Australia to the east-coast of India, their distribution can be explained by their ability to spend long periods of time in the open ocean, catching currents, they have been found up to 600 miles from shore. A well documented 'man eater', the Saltwater Crocodile has a broad carnivorous diet.
STATUS: LOW RISK (~200,000 Population)
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Image: David Warwick (Healesville Sanctuary Exhibit - Feb 2005)
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