Morelet's CrocodileCrocodylus moreletiiWhere and when to see them

Morelet's crocodile is a medium-sized crocodilian native to Atlantic-draining lowlands of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It is especially associated with freshwater wetlands, although it can occur in brackish settings. Its broad snout and dark, often mottled coloration suit a concealed life among shaded banks and vegetation. Recovery from historical hunting has benefited the species, but habitat loss, conflict with people and hybridization with American crocodiles complicate local conservation.

Size

2-3 m total length

Weight

40-150 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Individuals bask on banks to regulate body temperature and retreat to water when disturbed. Much hunting occurs in low light, with crocodiles waiting near places where prey gathers. Females construct mound nests from vegetation and other material, guard the nest area and assist hatchlings at emergence. Adults may be difficult to detect even in occupied wetlands, so an apparently empty bank should never be treated as proof of safety. Individuals bask on banks to regulate body temperature and retreat to water when disturbed. Much hunting occurs in low light, with crocodiles waiting near places where prey gathers. Females construct mound nests from vegetation and other material, guard the nest area and assist hatchlings at emergence. Adults may be difficult to detect even in occupied wetlands, so an apparently empty bank should never be treated as proof of safety. During cooler periods, they may enter a state of dormancy or reduced activity. They are generally solitary but can congregate in favorable habitats, especially during dry seasons.

• The species is named after French naturalist Pierre Marie Arthur Morelet.
• Females build mound nests rather than simply burying eggs in bare sand.
• Hatchlings call from within their eggs near hatching time.
• Natural hybridization with American crocodiles occurs in parts of their overlapping range.

Drier months can improve access to wetland boardwalks and make basking animals easier to notice in some Mexican regions. Conditions differ among wetlands, however. Nesting and rainfall patterns should be checked locally, and nesting areas should never become viewing targets. Drier months can improve access to wetland boardwalks and make basking animals easier to notice in some Mexican regions. Conditions differ among wetlands, however. Nesting and rainfall patterns should be checked locally, and nesting areas should never become viewing targets. The dry season can concentrate individuals in remaining water bodies, potentially increasing visibility. During the wet season, higher water levels may disperse crocodiles, making them harder to spot.

Freshwater marshes, swamps, lagoons, slow rivers and forested wetlands are characteristic habitats. Some animals also use brackish coastal systems. Dense bank vegetation and sheltered nesting ground are important, while altered waterways can bring crocodiles close to roads, farms and settlements. Freshwater marshes, swamps, lagoons, slow rivers and forested wetlands are characteristic habitats. Some animals also use brackish coastal systems. Dense bank vegetation and sheltered nesting ground are important, while altered waterways can bring crocodiles close to roads, farms and settlements. This species prefers warmer, shallower waters, often in areas with dense emergent vegetation providing cover. They are largely restricted to low-lying coastal plains and river basins across their range.

Young crocodiles eat insects, crustaceans and small fish, progressing to larger prey as they grow. Adults take fish, turtles, birds and mammals when available. They are opportunistic predators, and feeding them encourages dangerous associations between people and food. Young crocodiles eat insects, crustaceans and small fish, progressing to larger prey as they grow. Adults take fish, turtles, birds and mammals when available. They are opportunistic predators, and feeding them encourages dangerous associations between people and food. Their powerful jaws allow them to crush shells and bones, enabling a diverse diet. They often ambush prey from the water's edge or underwater, using a sudden lunge.

Common name

Morelet's Crocodile

Scientific name

Crocodylus moreletii

Animal group

Reptiles

Size

2-3 m total length

Weight

40-150 kg

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

It generally has a shorter, broader snout than the American crocodile, but overlap and hybridization mean distant identification may require expert confirmation. It generally has a shorter, broader snout than the American crocodile, but overlap and hybridization mean distant identification may require expert confirmation. Morelet's crocodiles typically have a series of dark bands or blotches on a gray to olive-brown body, which may fade with age. Unlike some other crocodilians, their fourth lower jaw tooth is not visible when the mouth is closed.