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THE ORINOCO CROCODILE

COMMON NAMES:
Orinoco crocodile, Cocodrilo del Orinoco, Crocodile de l'Orénoque, Colombian crocodile, Venezuelan delta crocodile, Caimán del Orinoco.

DISTRIBUTION:
Colombia, Venezuela

HABITAT:
Freshwater rivers in the middle and lower parts of the Orinoco river in Llanos savannah - which becomes waterlogged during the rainy season, creating temporary seasonal rivers. They are also found in a wider variety of habitats in tropical evergreen forest and streams in the Andes'. foothills).

STATUS:
IUCN-International Union of Conservation of Nature (CRITICALLY ENDANGERED)
Estimated wild population: 250 to 1,500
Summary: Significant population declines and limited distribution mean this species is very seriously threatened in the wild

APPEARANCE:
The Orinoco crocodile is one of the larger crocodilian species, with historical records of animals reportedly reaching 18-20ft in length! The snout is relatively long and narrow. Colour variation occurs - three phases are described: 'mariposo' with greyish green body and dark black dorsal patches; 'amarillo', the most common colouration with a light, tan body and scattered dark areas.

DIET:
Juveniles eat small fish and invertebrates. Larger animals take many aquatic vertebrates, including fish, together with vertebrates and birds approaching or entering the water's edge.

BREEDING:
A nesting hole is excavated between January and February (in the annual dry season) from sandbars which are exposed due to the lowering of water levels. Females lay a large number of eggs - anywhere from 15 to 70. Although females remain close to the nest, predation by tegu lizards (the New World equivalent of monitor lizards) and vultures can be a problem. Hatching (about 70 days after laying) coincides with the onset of the wet season, and a rise in water level. Females protect the young pod of juveniles for one to three years.

CONSERVATION:
This species is classed as one of the most highly endangered of all crocodilian species, mainly due to the small size and limited distribution of the population present in the wild, together with continued threats from habitat destruction and hunting. This species used to be found in a much wider variety of habitats. However, over-hunting for the valuable skin reduced their numbers drastically. Although protection measures exists, they are generally ineffective. Competition with rapidly increasing Spectacled populations is also suspected to be hindering recovery.