American Crocodile Range Florida
The american crocodile is sometimes confused with the morelet s crocodile a smaller species that is native to mexico.
American crocodile range florida. The american crocodile is considered at risk in nearly all parts of its north central and south american range. The american alligator is a relatively large species of crocodilian. New hatchlings are about 27 cm 10 1 2 in in length and about 60 g 2 oz in mass the average adult in the continental rivers can range from 2 9 to 4 m 9 ft 6 in to 13 ft 1 in long and weigh up to 382 kg 842 lb in males while females can range from 2 5 to 3 m. American crocodiles crocodylus acutus are a shy and reclusive species.
The northern end of the crocodile s range is in south florida. The american crocodile is one of two species of crocodilians endemic to the united states. This is because alligators are much better at tolerating cold. Survey data except in the united states is poor or nonexistent but.
It inhabits brackish and freshwater habitats preferring mangrove lined coasts. The american crocodile inhabits coastal habitats of extreme south florida the caribbean mexico central america and northern south america. At the northern limit of its range in florida american crocodiles coexist with american alligators. The american crocodile crocodylus acutus ranges from southern florida through the caribbean islands and from mexico through central america to peru.
Also although american crocodile attacks on humans in florida are rare to non existent attacks have been reported elsewhere in their range. The american alligator alligator mississippiensis ranges throughout the southeastern united states and everglades alligators exist at the southern extreme of their range. Domestic american alligators range from long and slender to short and robust possibly in response to variations in factors such as growth rate diet and climate. The american crocodile s range in southern florida overlaps with that of the closely related american alligator.
A personal observation once while in everglades national park at the flamingo marina i watched hector a 10 foot crocodile skulk lazily around the marina basin. They live in coastal areas throughout the caribbean and occur at the northern end of their range in south florida. On average it is the second largest species in the family alligatoridae behind only the black caiman. American crocodiles crocodylus acutus on the other hand inhabit coastal areas of south florida where they are at the northern extreme of their range.
