Crocodile is one of the most dangerous predators on our planet. Representatives of most species are smart, cunning and very strong. It is not surprising that these animals have always been of great interest to both scientists and people far from the scientific world who are simply interested in nature.
Our article will tell you about how these mighty predators are born, what dangers they will face before reaching the top of the food chain.
Name
Let's start with the simplest. Do you know the name of a baby crocodile? Note that a special name for newborns and young animals does not always exist. If in doubt, it is better not to invent words, but to get by with the "cub".
Modern dictionaries and reference books advise using the word "crocodile" exclusively in oral speech. For writing, simply “cub”, “crocodile” or “smallcrocodile.”
Crocodile breeding
Most of the amphibians and reptiles that inhabit the tropics begin to look for a mate on the eve of the onset of the rainy season. Crocodiles are no exception.
Males arrange fights, which often end in the death of one of the rivals. The most aggressive and strong, having won, begin to look for girlfriends. By the way, the mating season is the only period during which individuals of different sexes are in contact with each other.
Mating takes place in the water. The process is quite lengthy, and throughout its duration, partners replace each other. As a result, several males fertilize one female, just as each male mates with several partners.
At the end of the process, the males disperse and the females start planning nest building. It is not uncommon for a crocodile to build several hiding places in order to choose the best one. The nest should be near water, but without the risk of flooding.
The clutch usually contains 40 to 80 eggs. With a huge mass and seeming slowness, a crocodile can carefully lay all the testicles without damaging them. During the laying of eggs, the female seems to fall into a trance: the pupils dilate, the ear gaps are covered, she practically does not notice everything that is happening around. But as soon as the masonry is ready, there is no trace of detachment. While guarding the nest, the reptile turns into an aggressive defender, ready to repulse anyone.
The gender of future crocodile cubs depends on the ambient temperature: at a temperature of 31.7 to 35.4degrees, males are born, and in other cases, females.
The maturation period of eggs is approximately 3 months. During this time, the excavated nest, camouflaged with leaves and watered by heavy rains, becomes very dense, so it is not easy for newborns to get out of it. As soon as they are born, they begin to make noise, calling for help from their mother.
What a baby crocodile looks like
Cubs of some animals are very difficult to identify - they are so unlike their parents. But in this case, things are different: crocodile cubs are smaller copies of moms and dads. In length, they reach about 30 cm, and, like in adults, 2/3 of the body is occupied by the head. Even newborns have teeth.
But the babies look pretty cute: they have big shiny eyes, clumsy thin paws, iridescent spots in the sun. They look completely defenseless, and in fact they are not yet able to stand up for themselves.
Birth and childhood
Hearing the cries of the babies, the crocodile rakes the nest, freeing them. Scientists have repeatedly recorded how a female crocodile carries cubs in her mouth, studded with powerful teeth. She does this very carefully, without causing any harm to the children.
At this time, do not disturb a caring mother, because all her attention is focused on offspring. Few reptiles care for young. But, it would seem, the most merciless predator of the tropics is ready to kill anyone who threatens him.kids. The crocodile takes the cubs in turn into the water, which will soon become their native element. But so far, newborns can only hide and run away.
For the first few days, babies do not eat, they have enough supply of nutrients obtained from the egg. The crocodile is mainly concerned with protecting them, not educating them. Cubs gradually learn everything by themselves.
The mother will take care of the children for some time, until each of the survivors is strong enough and learns to get their own food.
Law of the jungle
Despite such care, the list of those wishing to enjoy delicious meat is quite large. Many predatory mammals, birds, and reptiles prey on newborn crocodiles. Often, the crocodiles themselves eat the cubs of their own tribesmen. The survival rate is low: only one in a hundred reaches sexual maturity.
But such a harsh law of the jungle, probably, determines the power and strength of an adult animal. After all, each crocodile has overcome the most difficult path in the struggle for his own life.
