Reptiles are vertebrates, meaning they have a backbone (like us humans). And, just like humans, reptiles use lungs to breathe.
But unlike humans, reptiles are ‘cold-blooded’, so their body temperature is the same as the temperature around them. They need to spend time in warm places, like sunny spots, to warm their bodies – something Crocodylus Scorpius considers an excellent use of time.
A reptile has dry skin, covered with scales, which helps protect them. Some reptiles, like snakes, shed their skin throughout their lives—“out with the old, in with the new!”
Most reptiles have four legs and can walk, such as crocodiles and turtles. Many reptiles are legless, however. Snakes, for example, have no legs and ‘slither’. Snakes and lizards use their tongues to ‘smell’.
The Crocodile
Our Favourite Daintree Reptile
- The Australian saltwater crocodile (or estuarine crocodile) is a reptile that can be found in the Daintree area.
- The crocodile is the largest living reptile in the world. Male crocodiles can reach well over 5 metres in length!
- The crocodile lives in rivers, estuaries, creeks, swamps, lagoons and the sea – both fresh and salty water. It can even swim long distance across the ocean.
- Crocodiles have long snouts, which include the nose and a mouth full of very sharp teeth. Their eyes and nostrils are on top of their head, which allows them to breathe whilst most of their body remains hidden underwater. They have very thick skin made up of bony plates as well as a very long, strong tail and short legs with webbed feet.
- Crocodiles are excellent hunters. Young, smaller crocodiles hang out in shallow water, hiding just below the surface until an animal comes close enough to attack. Larger crocodiles often ‘ambush’ their prey. They creep up on it slowly and quietly, remaining underwater as much as possible. Once they are close enough, they pounce – lunging at the prey and catching it in their powerful jaws. Crocodiles can move rapidly, thanks to their powerful tail, and surprise the animal they are chasing. They can hunt fish, other reptiles, birds, mammals and even humans, although most crocs avoid humans if possible. Just like Crocodylus Scorpius, who is shy and would rather just keep to himself.