Gentle parents: African dwarf crocodile

Despite a fearsome repetition as dangerous animals, crocodiles make gentle parents. They construct river-side nest using decaying plant material that generates heat as it decomposes, just like a compost heap at home.

For our African dwarf crocodile, this warmth will incubates the ten or so eggs laid at the start of the African wet season (May to June). The eggs hatch 12-14 weeks later where the young crocs will already be 30cm (12″) long.

Unusually for reptiles, crocodiles will vigorously guard their nest and protect the young, rather than abandoning both as common among relatives.

Living with dinosaurs

Crocodiles have inhabited the Earth since the age of the dinosaurs, although they were far larger at 15m long (45’) long. They have survived for millions of years using sophisticated adaptations that have fine-tuned their survival and hunting ability.

The most obvious (and frightening!) adaptation are a strong propelling tail and powerful jaw, but crocodiles can also sense tiny vibrations of prey moving in the distance and hold their breath for an hour underwater waiting. While our African dwarf crocodile is usually solitary, many species are even seen working together in teams to ambush prey.

The hunter becomes the hunted

Crocodiles are long respected in many cultures and even looked upon as gods. Unfortunately, the smaller size of the African dwarf crocodile makes this species more vulnerable, especially to capture for locally traded ‘bush meat’ (rainforest animals). Luckily, they are not hunted for their skin (hide), which makes poor quality products.