Dwarf Desert Nile Crocodile by Ghirin

Dwarf Desert Nile Crocodile

Author: Ghirin

The desert-adapted crocodiles are thought to be descended from the Nile crocodiles that lived in the region during lusher times. A number of isolated populations have either been found or described in the dry areas of the southern region of the Sahara Desert. These crocodiles are smaller than Nile crocodiles found in wetter areas, possibly due to lack of food.

These crocodiles inhabit two types of wetlands. One is a seasonal wetland formed by rainwater; the second is called a guelta and is formed when water collects in pools in a depression in a rocky plateau. When the water level drops too low for the crocodiles to survive, the animals go into caves or burrows and estivate (a type of warm-season hibernation).

Created by Ghirin 2004

Updated 2010-10-30

Just to save space with less in zip and smaller image.

Nothing new.