Crocodile tales

Crocodiles have been on the earth for over a 100 million years. Of 22 crocodilian species in the world, three, viz -- marsh crocodile, es...

Crocodiles have been on the earth for over a 100 million years. Of 22 crocodilian species in the world, three, viz 8212; marsh crocodile, estuarine or salt water crocodile and gharial 8212; are found in the Indian subcontinent. All three are endangered species.

Crocodiles are the biggest land reptiles. Estuarine crocodiles are the largest of all. They can grow up to 27 feet long.

Like the young ones of most reptiles, baby crocodiles have an egg tooth to help them break out of the egg. But if they have difficulty, their mother helps them crack the shell.

Baby crocodiles eat insects. As they grow, they catch larger animals such as frogs and fish. Fully grown crocodiles eat deer and antelopes too.

Crocodiles don8217;t have to clean their teeth because the plover bird does this job for them. The crocodiles allow the bird to pick their teeth for scraps of food.

Crocodiles often lose teeth, but new ones grow quickly. A crocodile can have more than 50 complete sets of teeth in a lifetime.

Crocodiles yawn when they are hot, not when they are tired. They can quickly lose heat by exhaling through their mouth.

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Crocodiles hunt by gliding inside the water. Since their eyes and nose are situated on the top of their heads, they can see and breathe when most of their bodies are under water. They glide slowly and quietly up to their prey and attack.

The teeth of crocodiles are perfect for grabbing and holding their prey, but not for chewing. They usually drag the prey into water and hold it under until it drowns. Then they tear off chunks of flesh and swallow them.

Many crocodiles make nests for their eggs. The mother guards the eggs. When the babies are out, she carries her babies gently in her mouth to the water and leaves them to take care of themselves.

People often use the phrase crocodile tears8217; for false tears. But the crocodile8217;s tears are just a way of getting rid of the salt from the water which it swallows along with its food.

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In ancient Egypt, people showed their respect for the Nile crocodile by depicting their god, Sebek, with a crocodile head in all the pictures and statues.