Orinoco Crocodile: endangered species ep.1

The Orinoco crocodile, also known as the “lagarto” or “babilla,” is a freshwater crocodile native to the Orinoco River Basin in Colombia and Venezuela. This species is one of the largest crocodilians in the world and is a fascinating and vital part of the region’s ecosystem. Unfortunately, it is also critically endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.

In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating world of this species, including its habitat, behavior, and current status as critically endangered.

Where do Orinoco crocodiles live?

Geographic range

The Orinoco River crocodile is endemic to the Orinoco Basin which covers Venezuela and parts of Colombia.

Currently, this species lives in the northern part of South America. Its geographic range extends to the neighboring Guianas of the basin. They have been found in large rivers such as Arauca, Bita, Cinaruco, Guaviare, Guayabero, Lozada, Meta, Vichada, Orinoco, Casanare, Cusiana, Ele, Lipa, Cravo Norte, Cravo Sur, Ariporo, Manacacias, Apure, Portuguesa, Tucupido, Cojedes, Manapire, Capanaparo, Ventuari, and Caura, and some of their tributaries.

These crocodiles historically lived from the Lozada-Duda-Guayabero river system in central Colombia to the Orinoco delta in northeastern Venezuela, but their distribution is now limited due to geographical barriers, such as mountain systems like the eastern Andes and the Merida Cordilleras.

They spend their time in freshwater rivers, streams, marshes, and wetlands within the region shown on the map above.

What do Orinoco crocodiles look like?

Physical appearance

These are impressively big creatures. In the past, male Orinoco crocodiles were reportedly as long as 6.8 m (22 ft 4 in), but such large sizes are no longer found today. The most commonly accepted maximum length is 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in). Currently, the largest males can grow up to 4.1 m (13 ft 5 in) and weigh 380 kg (840 lb). On the other hand, females are generally smaller with the largest weighing approximately 225 kg (496 lb).

The Orinoco crocodile has armored skin with a body covered in scales called scutes. Their body color ranges from gray-green to tan, covering all the way to their legs (which are short and strong) and long (powerful) tail.

The dorsal armor on its back has six prominent scales on the neck, with bony deposits known as osteoderms that are rough in texture and differ in color. The crocodile’s belly is light in color and has no osteoderms. It has a narrow snout that slopes upward near the tip and nostrils at the end to breathe while submerged.

What do Orinoco Crocodiles eat?

Diet

This species is carnivorous. The Orinoco crocodiles eat primarily fish, turtles, and mammals such as capybaras, deer, and rodents. They can also consume birds and other reptiles, including other crocodiles.

Having said that, something important to note is that their diet varies depending on their size and age. Younger crocodiles feed mainly on fish and insects, while larger adults will prey on the larger animals mentioned in the paragraph above.

Orinoco crocodiles are opportunistic hunters and will eat almost anything that they can catch and overpower, which can include larger prey than other crocodilian species.

Are Orinoco crocodiles dangerous?

Behavior

They generally pose little threat to humans if left alone. However, like all crocodiles, Orinoco crocodiles are predators and are at the top of the food chain in their ecosystem. Therefore, everyone should treat them with caution and respect.

You can identify Orinoco crocodiles for their vocalizations, which include hissing, growling, and bellowing. People can hear the low-frequency vocalizations males do during the breeding season. During this season, males will defend their territories and engage in aggressive displays to attract females. While on the other hand, females spend their time building nests and fiercely guarding their eggs and young.

Overall, Orinoco crocodiles spend most of their day basking in the sun or resting in shallow water, coming out to hunt at night. It is true that they can be dangerous if provoked or if they feel threatened, particularly during the breeding season or when defending their young. But, they are generally shy and elusive, preferring to avoid human contact whenever possible.

How many Orinoco crocodiles are left?

Conservation status

The Orinoco crocodile is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This species is estimated to have between 90 to 254,190 mature individuals. This large range the Red List provides can be due to a lack of updated information since the last assessment of this species was published in 2018. However, most organizations consider the IUCN the most reliable source to get this statistic, so it is the best piece of information we have.

According to the IUCN, the population of the Orinoco crocodile is decreasing and remains fragmented.

Why are Orinoco crocodiles endangered?

Threats

These crocodiles endure the threat of habitat loss, overhunting, and poaching for their skin and meat. Additionally, the construction of dams and river regulation have altered water levels and currents, affecting the crocodile’s ability to breed and hunt.

The IUCN Red List encapsulates their main threats into two main categories: Agriculture & aquaculture and Biological resource use. The shifting agriculture in the annual & perennial non-timber crops carried out on their geographic range, stresses their ecosystem leading to its degradation and disturbance of the species. As it does small-holder grazing, ranching, or farming of livestock. Also, fishing & harvesting of aquatic resources in their area leads to an increase in the mortality of the Orinoco crocodile species.

Conservation efforts to save the Orinoco Crocodiles

Conservation efforts have been made to protect the species. An Action Recovery Plan exists, there are Conservation sites, and the species is successfully reintroduced or introduced benignly, to name a few conservation initiatives. However, these efforts are still limited, and the species continues to face significant threats to its survival. It is important to continue these conservation measures and raise awareness about the importance of protecting the Orinoco crocodile and its habitat.

To aid the efforts of keeping endangered species like the Orinoco crocodiles from going extinct, you can support organizations dedicated to wildlife conservation, like these ones!