American+Crocodile

American Crocodiles are native to South Florida, the Caribbean throughout Central America to South America and prefer salty or brackish water. Salt glands on the crocodiles tongues allow them to extract salt from their bodies. Other anatomical adaptations allow the american crocodile to live an aquatic existance. The nostrils are located on the top of the snout, as well as the ears and eyes, so they are able to stay partly submerged and still hear, breathe and see. Swallowing food underwater is possible for the crocodile as they have an organ called a flange, which closes the back of the throat. Female American crocodiles bury 30-50 eggs on a sandy beach and allows the sun to incubate them as the female closely guards the nest. The American crocodile can live approximately 35 to 50 years. They are carnivores, and will feed upon fish, birds, and even smaller alligators. The American crocodile is listed as an endangered species due to poaching and illegal trade of their hides. http://www.defenders.org/wildlife_and_habitat/wildlife/crocodile.php http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/american-crocodile.html http://www.seaworld.org/Animal-info/animal-bytes/animalia/eumetazoa/coelomates/deuterostomes/chordata/craniata/reptilia/crocodylia/american-crocodile.htm http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cacu.htm

Amanda Larson