Behaviour Slender-snouted crocodile

slender-snouted crocodiles bear superficial resemblance gharial have slender snout

the diet of slender-snouted crocodile consists of fish, amphibians , crustaceans. typically, can found basking on land. adults take smaller mammals, aquatic snakes, turtles , birds. species not typically found in groups, except during onset of breeding season. female constructs mound nest consisting of plant matter. nests 50 60 cm high , 1 2 m in diameter. nests sited on banks of rivers, , construction begins @ onset of wet season, although breeding asynchronous within members of 1 population. has similar, shorter nesting season of sympatric dwarf crocodile, may nest further riverine habitat frequented m. cataphractus. breeding season begins in january , february , lasts until july.

the slender-snouted crocodile lays average of 16 (minimum 13, maximum 27) large eggs (relative body size) week after completion of mound nest. nests constructed out of decaying vegetation. incubation period long compared other crocodilian species, lasting on 110 days. average incubation female offspring 90 100 days , males 85 86 days. female remains close nest, not defend same vigor other species of crocodilians. once eggs begin hatch, , juveniles emit characteristic chirping, break open nest , assist in hatching process. hatchlings disperse across flooded forest floor. although losses predators occur (e.g. soft-shelled turtles), apparently minimal, possibly accounting small number of relatively large eggs laid, , long incubation period. sex of eggs determined temperature. females produced between 28 c , 31 c. males produced between 31 c , 33 c. maximum temperature eggs able withstand 34 c , produce females. sex determined between day 14 , 21. mothers offspring hatch if can not themselves. hatchlings precocious , mimic smaller version of parents. have sharp teeth protection. 1 of 4 species of crocodile in africa, other 3 being nile, west african , dwarf crocodiles.

this species has exceptionally hearing, eyesight, , smell. able see color. throughout body of crocodiles, sensory pits present, nerve terminals inside. there 2 types of these sensory pits, integumentary sense organs cover body , papillae cover head, around snout. when underwater, crocodile have “third eyelid” called nictitating membrane. membrane present in many other reptiles, unique in crocodiles because semi-transparent , acts goggles in improve eyesight when hunting , prevents eye damage. crocodiles able make acoustic sounds, juveniles. hatchling crocodiles able indicate when hatch making vocalization can heard mother. crocodiles can make coughing, hissing, , bellowing vocalizations when feeling threatened.