Osteolaemus tetraspis tetraspis

(Cope, 1861)

Vernacular names
English : West African dwarf crocodile
French : Crocodile nain d’Afrique de l’ouest

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Crocodylidae
Notes : 1 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adults can grow to 2 meters in length, very rarely more. Heavily armored species with reinforced plates on neck, back and tail. Broad and short head with upturned snout. Uniformly dark brown to black color with lighter head and flanks.

Range and habitat
This subspecies occurs in western and central Africa from Nigeria to Gabon and Angola. Species also found from Senegal to Angola and in DR Congo. Lives in permanent pools in swamps and slow moving rivers in forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is going to be split into two species. Both are highly threatened by overhunting for the bush meat trade and habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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