Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most endangered crocodile?
With less than 100 adults in the wild, the
most endangered crocodile in the world is the Philippine crocodile, Crocodylus
mindorensis. The
most endangered alligator is the Chinese alligator, Alligator
sinensis having less than 150 adults.
What is causing crocodilians to become endangered?
There is no one cause for the decline
of crocodilian populations around the world. Depending on the
species, there are some common factors that have had an effect
on wild populations. These factors are: habitat destruction,
hunting for skins & meat, human interaction and even competition
between species living in the same habitats.
How many species of crocodilians are there?
23 species are typically recognized but that will likely change
soon. The Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is actually
two species, the African Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
is possibly three species, the New Guinea Crocodile (Crocodylus
novaeguineae) two species, and the Brown Caiman (Caiman
crocodilus fuscus) is potentially unique as well.
Where can I see all 23 Crocodilian Species?
The only zoo in the world with all 23 species of crocodilians
on display is the St. Augustine
Alligator Farm Zoological Park in St. Augustine, Florida.
What is the largest crocodilian species and smallest
crocodilian species?
The biggest species is usually
considered to be the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
at about 23 feet (7 m), though the Indian Gharial (Gavialis
gangeticus)
probably achieves that length as well. The smallest species
is usually
thought to be the Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus),
with males attaining lengths of about 5 feet (1.5 m-1.6 m)
and females
4 feet (1.2 m). If the Congo (or Osborn's) Dwarf Crocodile
(Osteolaemus
tetraspis osborni) is considered a separate species, it
would likely be the smallest.
How many species/what species are
currently listed as critically endangered, endangered or threatened?
Six species of crocodilians are on the IUCN
Red List as Critically Endangered:
The Chinese alligator (Alligator
sinensis), Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius),
Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), Cuban
crocodile (Crocodylus
rhombifer), Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis),
Indian gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). The Malayan gharial
(Tomistoma schlegelii) is currently listed as Endangered.
Finally, the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus),
Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), West African
Dwarf Crocodile (Osteolaemus
tetraspis) are all considered to be of a Vulnerable (Threatened)
status.
What are some of the conservation and research projects the Crocodilian
Advisory Group (CAG) has/is supporting?
Through the CAG's fundraising efforts, we
have partnered with other crocodilian groups (IUCN
Crocodile Specialist Group, the Wildlife
Conservation Society & the
Gharial Conservation
Alliance) internationally to support
conservation, research & education projects. Some of these
projects include:
