17. p. 381Crocodylians
- F. Harvey Pough, F. Harvey PoughProfessor Emeritus, Rochester Institute of Technology
- William E. Bemis, William E. BemisProfessor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Faculty Curator of Ichthyology, Cornell University
- Betty McguireBetty McguireSenior Lecturer, Cornell University
- , and Christine M. JanisChristine M. JanisProfessor Emerita of Biology, Brown University, USA, Honorary Professor of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, UK
Abstract
This chapter provides an overview of extant crocodylians. The group of crocodylians include the largest extant species of reptiles and the only ones that sometimes regard humans as prey. Moreover, all extant crocodylians are semiaquatic predators and nearly all live in the tropics or subtropics. Contrary to the impression that comes from seeing well-fed captive alligators and crocodiles resting inert for hours, free-living crocodylians have extensive and complex repertoires of predatory, social, and parental behaviors. The chapter then cites habitat loss, alteration and alien species, and unregulated exploitation of wild populations as some of the threats to the crocodylian species.
