Crocodylus rhombifer

(Cuvier, 1807)

Vernacular names
English : Cuban crocodile
French : Crocodile de Cuba

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Crocodylidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
Adults usually reach 3.5 m in length but some specimens grow up to 5 meters. Armored body, short and broad head with bony ridges behind eyes. Usual coloration is yellowish with more or less dense black spotting on flanks and back.

Range and habitat
The species is currently endemic to Cuba and occurs in the Zapata swamp and in the Lanier Swamp (Isla de la Juventud). Extinct on Cayman and Bahama Isl. Lives in freshwater marshes and inundated shrublands.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : CRITICALLY ENDANGERED
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is highly threatened by hybridization with C. acutus in the wild. Habitat destruction and over exploitation are also causes of concern.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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