There are four distinct species that fall under the order of Crocodilia. We know these reptiles by their common names of Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman and the lesser known, but equally relevant, Gharial. Lets have a look at where we can find some of these snappy chappies.

Chinese Alligator – Eastern China. Along the lower Yangtze river.

The Chinese Alligator is obviously only found in the Eastern parts of China. It is one of only two non-extinct alligator species along with the popular American Alligator. The Chinese species is quite a bit smaller and grows very slowly to about 1.5 meters long, substantially smaller than their American cousins. They are also deeply threatened with extinction, rated Critical by the IUCN, there are believed to be very few left in the wild, estimates are lower than 150. Although strong breeding programs are under way, attempts to reintroduce them successfully back into the wild have yet to be tested. As there are so few of them left the best place to see these magnificent creatures is in protected reserves in the states of Anhui, Zhejiang and Jiangsu along the lower Yangtze river. You’ll have to have a sharp eye though as Chinese alligators are known to hibernate for 7 months of the year in mud mounds. Alternatively pay a visit to the South East of the United States particularly in the Florida Everglades where you can see a vast array of different animals including Caimans and Crocodiles.

Chinese Alligator

Jacaré Caiman – South America. Mainly in Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Uruguay.

Jacaré spend most of their time in the wetlands, lakes and rivers of the tropics around the Pantanal region of Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia. They are also found further north and further south towards Argentina and Uruguay. Other sneaky animals inhabit these vast wetlands include the Phirana and Capybara – the favourite meal of the Jacaré, and the Yellow Anaconda and Jaguar which are the Caiman’s biggest predator in this area. A great trip is to travel along the river ways with an eco-tour company where you are likely to see rare birds like the Hyacinth Macaw and the Giant Ant-Eater.

Australian Fresh Water Crocodile – Australia. Northern Territories of Australia and parts of Asia.

Known locally as a “Freshie”, this fresh water croc is much smaller than its big brother, the Salt Water variety, although both are found abundantly in the northern territories of Australia. Many have come to know about crocodiles via the Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter series, and the crocodiles on that show were mainly fresh water crocs. So, apart from the protected reserves and crocodile farms there are several other places that these guys can be seen in their natural habitat. Notably the smaller lakes, swamps and rivers where the Salt Water species are not found as they really don’t get along too well. From July to September the females usually lay their eggs along the muddy banks of the rivers, so if you are boating along there at any time keep a look out!

"Freshie" Fresh Water Crocodile

Indian Gharial – Indian Sub Continent. Chambal, Rapti and Ganges river systems.

This is one seriously crazy looking creature! Also known as the Indian Gavial, this chap is one of three species of crocodile that live in India. A huge reptile, it is trumped in size only by the great Salt Water Crocodile but it can still reach lengths of up to 6 meters. The striking feature of this immense creature is undoubtedly the long, narrow jaws which distinctly mark it out from it’s close cousins. On this snout sits an unusual growth which gets bigger and some might say uglier as the adult male Gharial matures, it is used for enhancing communication. This feature also means that males and females are easy to distinguish. These snouty sweethearts are sadly critically endangered, which means that the only place to see these beauties is in protected reserves and sanctuaries. In Nepal they can be found dotted around the Ganges and in many of its tributaries. Gharials prefer the deep rivers to the land as they are fairly clumsy at walking and running but great, powerful swimmers. The Chambal and Rapti rivers are the most common areas to find the Gharial.

Gharial in India

These four are just a selection of the different sub species of our bone crushing crocodile companions. Below you can find a breakdown of our Crocodilian chums and where we can find them:

Alligator -

• American Alligator – South East America
• Chinese Alligator – Eastern China

Caiman -

• Black Caiman – South America
• Broad Snouted Caiman – South America
• Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman – South America
• Jacaré Caiman – South America
• Schneider’s Dwarf Caiman – South America
• Spectacled Caiman – South and Central America

Crocodile -

• African Dwarf Crocodile – Africa
• Australian Fresh Water Crocodile – Australia
• American Crocodile – North, Central, South America
• Cuban Crocodile – Cuba
• Estuarine Crocodile – South East Asia
• False Gharial – South East Asia
• Morelet’s Crocodile – South America
• Mugger – Indian Sub Continent
• New Guinea Crocodile – Papa New Guinea, Irian Jaya
• Nile Crocodile – Africa
• Orinoco Crocodile – South America
• Philippine Crocodile – Philippines
• Siamese Crocodile – South East Asia
• Slender Snouted Crocodile – Africa

Gharial/Gavial –

• Indian Gharial – Indian Sub Continent

So on your next trip abroad try to take in one of these lovely, ancient creatures while you still can. Although, I am confident that they will outlive us like they outlived the dinosaurs.

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For more reptiles and facts, visit our Reptiles gallery on Flickr.

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