| Cuban Crocodile | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Crocodilia |
| Family: | Crocodylidae |
| Genus: | Crocodylus |
| Species: | C. rhombifer |
| Binomial name | |
| Crocodylus rhombifer Cuvier, 1807 |
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The Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is a small species (2.4 metres average length) of crocodile found only in Cuba's Zapata Swamp and the Isle of Youth, and highly endangered, though it formerly ranged elsewhere in the Caribbean. Fossils of this species have been found in the Cayman Islands[2] and the Bahamas.[3][4]
This species has numerous interesting characteristics that set it apart from other crocodilians, such as its brighter adult colors, rougher, more 'pebbled' scales, and long, strong legs. This species is the most terrestrial of crocodiles, and also possibly the most intelligent. A colony of this species at Gatorland, Florida has also exhibited what is strongly suspected to be pack-hunting behavior, which has prompted much interest in the species, usually kept singly (especially so after such reports).[5]
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The Cuban crocodile appears to favor freshwater habitat such as swamps, marshes, and rivers and rarely swims in salt water.[6]
Small fish, freshwater arthropods, and crustaceans make up the diet of young Cuban crocodiles. Adults of the species feed upon small mammals, fish, and turtles. They have blunt rear teeth, which aids in crushing the shells of their turtle prey. Cuban crocodiles also demonstrate the jumping feeding technique seen in other crocodilians such as the American alligator. By thrusting with their powerful tail, they can leap from the water and snatch small animals from overhanging branches.[7] The Cuban crocodile, while not a particularly large species, is often regarded as the most aggressive New World crocodile[8] and is behaviorally dominant over the larger American crocodile in areas in which the two species coexist.[9] Data regarding attacks on humans is limited, but occurrences are likely rare given the species very small distribution area and separation from human populations.
The Cuban crocodile is an endangered species, listed on CITES appendix 1. Its restricted habitiat and range make it very vulnerable. Humans have hunted this species to near extinction. There is still much research to be done on the remaining wild populations. The species is represented in captivity in the United States, where breeding projects are taking place. There have been problems in the past with hybridisation, especially with the American crocodile, which limits the pure gene pool of this species.[7][10]
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