#cubancrocodile — Public Fediverse posts

Cuban Crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) at a nursery facility in Ciénaga de Zapata, Cuba. This is a small species (up to 2.3 m, with a few males reaching 3.5 m), noted for greater terrestrial activity than other crocodilians, cooperative hunting, and some indications of highly intelligent behavior, as well as an aggressive temperament. Cuban Crocs inhabit estuaries, saltmarshes and mangals, and are only found in the Ciénaga de Zapata and Isla de Juventud. They are considered critically endangered, largely due to poaching, habitat loss and hybridization with the much more abundant and widespread American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). The nursery was established as a conservation facility to raise from 3500-5000 crocs from hatchling to adult size classes, although I estimate the number was much less at the time of my visit.
3.23.24
#Cuba #Naturephotography #wildlifephotography #reptiles #reptilephotography #ecology #evolution #crocodile #cubancrocodile #Cubanwildlife #fauna