The Johannesburg Zoo only has one male West African dwarf crocodile.
The reptile keeper at the zoo, Mlando Dlomo, said the dwarf crocodile is smaller with a short, blunt muzzle and a black body except for the underside, which is yellow in colour.
“Its body is covered by bony plates that are coarsely armoured on the skin, and these scales protect it from injury as well as from getting burned by the hot sun.”
He noted that although they have one at the zoo, it is comfortable and well taken care of on its own.
“The dwarf eats different types of meals every Sunday, including frogs, chicks, fish, water birds, and shrews,” he adds.
Dlomo shared a few fun facts about dwarf crocodiles.
Here are the fun facts:
- They can live up to 75 years.
- Dwarf crocodiles can climb trees and are sometimes found in the lower branches.
- All crocodiles have special glands in their tongue that help them process and get rid of excess salt.
- When a dwarf crocodile submerges, it leaves its eyes and nostrils above the water line so it can keep an eye on its surroundings and breathe at the same time.
- They bask in the sun during the day to increase their body temperature and provide energy.
- Dwarf crocodiles can lay up to ten eggs at any one time.
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