Gharial Cam Cuban Crocodiles—Ancient Reptiles in Danger
The ancestors of crocodiles were already established when dinosaurs started to appear on the planet. Crocodilians—crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials—first appeared about 200 to 240 million years ago. Their ancestors originally lived on land, but later diversified to live in semi-aquatic environments. Except for alligators, crocodilians live in tropical and subtropical regions. Today's crocodilians are excellent predators with few enemies but man.
Bony plates called osteoderms form a shield of armor in their thick skin. Their toothy jaws are powerful enough to crush bone. Crocodilians are the most vocal of reptiles, producing sounds from quiet hisses to fearsome roars and bellows. On land they can move quickly and can even gallop mammal-like on all four legs. The parenting skills of female crocodilians—guarding their nests, assisting with egg hatching, and defending young against predators—are unique among reptiles.
Skins are highly valued for leather, and eggs and meat are eaten in some parts of the world. Due to overhunting and habitat loss, some of the 23 species of crocodilians—particularly of crocodiles—are of conservation concern.
New World Crocodile
The Cuban crocodile is one of the most endangered of the New World crocodilians because of its extremely small range. The Cuban is now restricted to the Zapata Swamp, a one-million-acre wilderness in southwestern Cuba, and was reintroduced in the Lanier Swamp on Isla de Juventud. They were once more widespread on Cuba as well as on the Bahaman and Cayman islands.
 |
Zoos and crocodile farms are breeding pure Cuban crocodiles, and some of these animals may some day be reintroduced into the wild. |
Their numbers dwindled following widespread destruction of wetlands for agriculture, heavy hunting, and introduction of the common caiman with which the Cuban crocodile can inter-breed. Farms were established in the 1950s and 1960s for crocodile skin and meat production. Hybridization at the start of this farming project resulted in an impure genetic stock, but a pure stock of Cuban crocodiles has since been isolated. These farms now produce a relatively large number of animals each year, and CITES has granted approval for one to begin international trade in skins.
The status of these reptiles remains highly vulnerable, however, because of competition and hybridizing with introduced crocodilians, poaching, and habitat loss. Nevertheless, there is reason for hope: Conservation efforts in Cuba have helped this reptile to rebound to between 3,000 and 6,000 animals, and they are fairly well represented in U.S. zoos where biologists strive to ensure their survival through breeding programs. Much remains to learn about this animal's biology and provide it sufficient habitat, including new reserves in which to establish additional wild populations as extra survival insurance.
 |
| Although smaller than their American cousins, Cuban crocodiles typically dominate when both species come in contact, reinforcing their reputation for having pugnacious dispositions. |
Cool Cuban Facts
- The Cuban is a medium-size crocodile species. Male Cuban crocodiles generally grow to about ten feet long, although 15-foot specimens have been observed. Females are usually smaller than males.
- In the wild, this crocodile eats a variety of animals including fish, turtles, birds, snakes, frogs, small mammals, and invertebrates. Teeth in the back of the Cuban crocodile's mouth are broader than those in the front—an adaptation that allows it to crush turtle shells.
- Large and powerful legs and reduced webbing on their feet are believed to be adaptations for dealing with land-based prey, such as the now-extinct giant ground sloth. They are also able to leap out of the water and snatch prey from overhanging tree branches.
- They seem to prefer freshwater marshes and will not swim in saltwater.
- The Cuban crocodile skin ranges in color from green to yellow-green with yellow and black speckling. This speckling led to its other name, the pearly crocodile.
 |
| A new Cuban enters the world at the National Zoo. Signs are encouraging that with breeding programs and habitat protection, this endangered species may have a chance to survive. |
Cubans at the National Zoo
The National Zoo exhibits Cuban crocodiles at its Reptile Discovery Center. The Zoo's large Cubans eat pre-killed rabbits; smaller ones eat mice or rats. The Zoo participates in an AZA-sponsored Species Survival Plan that coordinates zoo breeding for the species.
Adopt a Croc
Adopt this ancient reptile and help us ensure it a future and provide world-class care for this species as well as for the other 2,000 animals residing at the National Zoo.
Because your contribution is dedicated to animal care, you truly make a difference!
Photos by Jessie Cohen/NZP
