Crocodile Tears! Crocs, Caimans, and Gators Really Do "Cry"--But Not for Sentimental Reasons!
The crocodiles, caimans, gharials, and alligators -- in the crocodilia order of large reptiles of which there are 23 recorded species in three families (Crocodylidae, Alligatoridae, and Gavialidae) -- live in mostly salt or brackish water in the tropical regions of the world.
As representatives of the largest reptiles on earth and in much the same way as the "other" large four-legged reptiles--the monitor lizards--they resemble so much the dinosaurs of old with their huge sizes, their ferocious appetites, and their imposing presence in their natural habitats. However, they are now also threatened with human interactions (retribution for attacks on livestock and persons and development taking over their habitats) and impending habitat loss due to climate change and global warming.
Because they live in salty environments, crocodilians must rid their bodies of excess salt. Crocodiles and gharials have modified salivary glands on their tongue that are used to excrete the excess salt. Although alligators and caimans have the same glands, the glands are non-functional. All crocodilians, however, also use their tear glands to help rid their bodies of excess salt. This excretion resembles very salty tears--thus, the expression, "Crocodile Tears." The expression tends to mean "crying without much real emotion involved."
The American continents are the only places where crocodiles and alligators live in the same habitats.
"Crocodile Tears--The act of "crying" or producing tears without any underlying emotion involved."
Baby Crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, at the University of Guam Marine Lab on the way to Hawaii
Salt Water Crocodile--A Deadly Giant
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More Info on Crocodilians!
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Floating Log? Think Again!
I shot this picture of a baby salt-water (estaurine) crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, at the University of Guam Marine Laboratory.
My first experience (up close and personal) with crocodiles was when I was visiting the Western Pacific Micronesian islands of Palau (Republic of Belau) with a SCUBA diver vacation trip.The standard "joke" the more experienced divers used was the following: You don't have to worry about the sharks in Palau. Why? Because the crocodiles chase them away.
The sign at the Koror island resort hotel beach stated: "No Swimming before 10:00am or after 5pm." Underneath this statement was a picture of a crocodile.
We took the chugging tour boat out among the famous "rock islands" to one of the outer dive/snorkeling sites, Ngermeaus Island. Snorkeling there was truly beautiful--the waters of Palau are teeming with fish that provide ample meals for crocodiles and sharks alike.
After the dive and picnic trip and after cleaning up at the hotel, my buddies and I walked a few miles through the beautiful foilage of the Palauan jungle to the Palau Museum on Koror. At the Palau Museum, we learned more about the Palauan estaurine crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus. On display right inside the door is the 6-foot long head of a monster croc that was killed after it was trapped to keep it from killing and eating Palauan livestock. The local name for the crocs is "Ius" (pronounced, "EE-Yoos").
The islanders know that it is risky to fish, snorkel, swim, or dive during the twilight hours (sunrise and sunset) when the crocs are most active. The crocs are also active throughout the night--Palau's clear waters make visibility excellent even at night.
The crocs in Palau can spend most of their time in the salt water surrounding the many islands in the Palauan archipelago, but they must also spend time in the freshwater rivers and on the sandy shores occasionally to relieve themselves of the salt.
Although they eat mostly fish, the larger crocs sometimes become a nuisance when they make forays onto the land to go after domesticated animals (dogs, cats, pigs, goats) and sometimes unsuspecting and careless people. When this happens, the local officials must set traps to catch the large beasts and dispose of the "trouble-makers". Since the salt-water crocs can reach lengths of up to 20+ feet, catching one is not a task to be taken lightly.
Crocodiles Tears! But Not When You Wear or Decorate with Them!
At the Zoo Hooded Sweatshirt
I'd rather be at the zoo t-shirts and gifts for the fans of the zoo and lovers of wildlife, wild and all other kinds of animals.
In Memorium
This tee is "In Memorium" of one of our favorite people in the world. We don't advocate hunting down stingrays... we just don't think it'd be a good idea to keep one as a pet. "Croikey!!"
Gator Pile Tile Coaster
Don't want anyone to swipe your drink? Set it down on this coaster for safe keeping. Great for any animal lover!
Alligators? Sorta Like a Croc, but with a Rounder Nose! Ghavials? Longer, more narrow snout!
Crocodiles have long, triangularly pointed noses in relation to their heads--and have large canine teeth that overlap and show outside of their mouth on both sides of their mouth. Crocodiles also have very obvious scutes or ridges of scales on their backs that run the length of their tails.
Alligators have shovel-shaped rounded heads--more flattened nose, and their teeth are hidden inside their mouth when their mouth is closed. Their snouts are useful for digging through the mud to get clams and bottom-feeding fish.
Ghavials have extremely and drastically narrowed jaws that give a longer and more pronounced snout. The teeth are large and some show outside the mouth when the mouth is closed. The Ghavials' long snouts are useful for thrashing through schools of fish.
When the animals reach full adulthood, they tend to try to find more easy prey--such as that which stands along the shore to drink. These animals range from small rodents and birds to larger animals such as goats, pigs, deer, antelope, and even water buffalo.
Alligator Sunning Itself on a Partially Submerged Stump
Crocodilian Art Anyone?
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Giant Crocodile of Burundi
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Making a Noise! These Reptiles Can Really Sound Off!
These Crocodilians Won't Cry When You Hug Them... Of Course, They Won't Bite, Either!
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Croc Links!
- Crocs on Film!
- Video captures of crocodilians running, swimming, fighting, and mating.... the stuff they do best!
- Croc Net!
- A compilation of crocodilian net sites.
- Crocodilian Species List
- Detailed information on all 23 of the world's living crocodilian species. Pictures, links, and other goodies!
Croc Stuff... More Croc Stuff!
Crocodiles and Alligators
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The Alligator Book
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Killer Instincts: Crocodiles
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Crocodile Dundee/Crocodile Dundee 2/Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles
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We Won't Shed Tears If You Don't Drop a Note--But It Would Be Nice If You Would Say Hi!
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- naturegirl7 naturegirl7 Dec 3, 2008 @ 4:40 pm
- Some have seen an alligator in the Little Tchefuncte, upstream from us. Wonderful lens. Welcome to the Naturally Native Squids group. Don't forget to add your lens link to the appropriate plexo and vote for it.
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- Evelyn_Saenz Evelyn_Saenz May 1, 2008 @ 4:20 pm
- What a great lens!
The Purple Gallinules just flew over with a virtual Alligator Pie to celebrate your fascinating lens
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- Classic Classic Jan 5, 2008 @ 6:04 pm
- Happy New Year! Thanks for submitting yet another of your great lenses to my group Nature and Environment! I have lens-rolled it to 3 of my lenses.
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- Lily_Link Lily_Link Dec 21, 2007 @ 9:27 am
- Thanks for joining Reptiles & Amphibians!
These reptiles are the true dinosaurs.
by EditorDave
Living on Guam is what now "defines" me. It was such a dramatic difference in my life and outlook on things that there's no way I'd be the same...
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