Family CROCODYLIDAE
Introduction
A tropicopolitan family which is regarded either as embracing the crocodiles, alligators and caimans (totalling 22 living species in 7 genera) or containing only the true crocodiles (13 living species in 3 genera). Most crocodylids are fierce predators, although only a few species, including Crocodylus porosus, are known to prey on man. Two species occur in Australia.
Crocodiles are semi-aquatic reptiles which hunt in the water but emerge to bask on mud and sand banks. They are oviparous, laying their eggs in specially constructed nest mounds. The female usually guards the nest and assists the young to emerge and reach the safety of water.
Diagnosis
The principal characteristics of crocodiles are their large heavily built bodies, development of a thick skin containing a body armour of osteoderms and gastral four-chambered heart, a longitudinal cloacal aperture and a single penis; their adaptations to an aquatic existence include a secondary palate and a pair of transverse fleshy throat valves isolating the air passages from the mouth, valvular nostrils and a powerful muscular tail for aquatic locomotion.
General References
Cogger, H.G. 1979. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Sydney : A.H. & A.W. Reed 608 pp.
Pan, T., Miao, J-S., Zhang, H-B., Yan P., Lee, P-S., Jiang, X-Y., Ouyang, J-H., Deng, Y-P., Zhang B-W, . & Wu X-B. 2020. Near-complete phylogeny of extant Crocodylia (Reptilia) using mitogenome-based data. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 20: 1-15
Wermuth, H. & Mertens, R. 1977. Liste der rezenten Amphibien und Reptilien; Testudines, Crocodylia, Rhynchocephalia. Das Tierreich 100: i-xxvii, 1-174
Worrell, E. 1970. Reptiles of Australia. Sydney : Angus & Robertson xv 169 pp.
History of changes
| Published | As part of group | Action Date | Action Type | Compiler(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08-Mar-2011 | 08-Mar-2011 | MODIFIED | ||
| 12-Feb-2010 | (import) |