Met, the males are fierce fights. For instance, the Nile Crocodile lives between 60 and 70 years just like the American crocodile. It doesn’t put them in the best position. Within the Northern Territory, freshwater crocodiles were protected in 1963 and saltwater crocodiles were protected in 1971. photo source: Wikipedia Caught in the waters of Bunawan creekin Agusan del Sur, Philippines, Lolong was a massive specimen measuring at 6.17 meters (20 ft) long. There was a freshwater crocodile in the Australia Zoo that was between 120 and 140 years old when it died. And the American crocodile lives to a maximum of 70 years old. Crocodiles never stop growing in their lifetimes, so they can get to be quite large after they hit the century mark or so. In the wild, these lizards aren’t easily preyed on by other larger animals. With no harsh environments or competition for food, it’s easy to see why. How long a crocodile lives depends on its species. With the most acidic stomach of all animals, the croc can digest all parts of their meals, including the hooves and horns of an animal. In reality, the physical effects of ageing cause the death of crocs. The saltwater or estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a ferocious giant that can grow at least 23 feet long (7 meters) and weigh more than 2,200 pounds (1000 kilograms). A South African backpacking adventure in photographs, Kasanka National Park: fruit bat migration & African beauty, Drakensberg uKhahlamba – Complete visitor guide to incredible mountains, The day I approached a lioness and 15 African wild dogs (on foot). Several techniques provide the most reliable information. So it might be appealing to view crocs as modern-day dinosaurs, who are totally alien to us. The average life span of a crocodile in captivity is 40 years. Most methods of measuring the age of a crocodile are unreliable, but one common method is measuring growth rings in the bones and teeth. If you are asking yourself “how long do crocodiles live?”, you should take a few things into account. Brought to the public sphere by Steve Irwin in the Animal Planet show The Crocodile Hunter, crocodiles are fearsome and fascinating animals. The age record might belong to a three-metre (9ft) crocodile that lived in captivity in Russia for over a hundred years before dying two decades … Crocodiles in Florida live mostly in Everglades and Biscayne national parks. But we can look at what crocodiles do now and how they work and speculate on some things that may be involved. Due to their large size, Nile crocodiles tend to have long lifespans and can live up to 100 years. The first species you will encounter upon entering Scaly Slimy Spectacular (as long as you keep your eyes peeled) are two west African slender-snouted crocodiles (Mecistops cataphractus). It’s then able to survive up to 2 years without having a meal. But the truth is, they age just as normally as any animal would. It is clear that stories of crocodiles living hundreds of years are simply untrue, yet there is reasonable evidence that medium to large species are capable of attaining at least 60 to 70 … As you can imagine, we haven’t been keeping alligators and crocodiles in a healthy and well documented captivity for too long. Wrong! This means that crocodiles are closely related to caimans, alligators, and the Indian Gharial. Saltwater crocodiles that survive to adulthood can attain a very long lifespan, with an estimated life expectancy upwards of 70 years, and some individuals possibly exceed 100 years, although no such extreme ages have been verified for any crocodilian. Look out - these guys can … Greetings from the Scaly, Slimy and Spectacular! Other species may not live as long, especially members of the family Alligatorinae. For example, according to the official at the Yekaterinburg Zoo in Russia, a male crocodile that lived there died when he was 115 years old. Answer. Crocodiles live in rivers, lakes and dams in parts of America, Asia, Africa and Australia. These rings usually show the changes that happened with the growth of the crocodile and these changes usually occur once a year. Chinese crocodile lizards have a long lifespan in the wild. Of course, the crocodiles that are a little bit larger can live longer. The reason you may have trouble spotting our two crocodiles (Meci and Babu) is because they spend a lot of time submerged underwater. Crocodile, any of 23 species of generally large, ponderous, amphibious animals of lizard-like appearance and carnivorous habit belonging to the reptile order Crocodylia. How long do crocodiles live? These animals can manage a year without food, keep their teeth … These rings occur in the bones and teeth of the crocodile. Another fun fact about Nile crocodiles is that they have high levels of lactic acid in their blood. How true are these tales? They can reach speeds up to 19-22 mph (30-35 km/h). Average sizes, though, are more in the range of 16 feet and 500 pounds. Instead of aging biologically, they just keep on growing physically. Since they’re semi-aquatic, they have a unique lifestyle that ensures that they escape predators fast and live longer. The largest recorded alligator is 19 feet long while the largest crocodile is estimated to be close to 28 feet long. They often face competition for territory and food. As far as reptiles go, crocodiles are probably one of the most common creatures that come to mind — and one of the most deadly. Sadly it means their spying eyes, used for hunting, aren’t that efficient. During the mating season, males show their own instincts, protecting the territory from the invasion of competitors. How long an alligator lives can vary upon the species and usually their environment plays a factor in the alligator’s age as well. How long can a crocodile live? How long do crocodiles live? As long as crocodile wants to stay outside in the sun. Males commonly weigh around 70 kg (150 lb), with large specimens up to 100 kg (220 lb) or more, against the female weight of 40 kg (88 lb). Crocodiles, in the form we recognize them today, have roamed the earth for 80 million years. One of the most used techniques is to take precise measures of the teeth’s and bones’ lamellar growth rings. He was named after Ernesto “Lolong” Conate, who led the team of local hunters who caught him. However, smaller croc species aren’t too lucky. Earth’s largest living crocodilian—and, some say, the animal most likely to eat a human—is the saltwater or estuarine crocodile. Most baby crocodiles do not live long. However, smaller croc species aren’t too lucky. Crocodiles never stop growing in their lifetimes, so they can get to be quite large after they hit the century mark or so. How Big Can These Monsters Get? Its cousin, the Nile crocodile, can live anywhere from 70 years to 100 years of age. Find out here. The crocodile, who managed to avoid contact with a marabu, hyena and lizard in childhood, can live long enough if he does not meet a man. Caimans are estimated to live only 30 to 40 years, for example. They fall prey to large fish and hyenas. Many reptiles have a reputation for being very long-lived, and crocodiles are no exception. How Long Do Chinese Crocodile Lizards Live In The Wild? Mr. Freshie was a freshwater croc living in an Australian zoo. Saltwater crocodiles have long lifespans, with many living to more than 65 years, longer than any other crocodile species. For instance, the Nile Crocodile lives between 60 and 70 years just like the American crocodile. Description. Earth’s largest living crocodilian—and, some say, the animal most likely to eat a human—is the saltwater or estuarine crocodile. Huge serpents, like pythons and anacondas, will also take their chances against a croc when times are hard. It depends on who you ask. These are some very timid reptiles, after all. Crocodiles can live in places throughout the world such as Asia, Australia, Africa and the Americas, as long as the habitat, or natural environment, has certain features. The first species you will encounter upon entering Scaly Slimy Spectacular (as long as you keep your eyes peeled) are two west African slender-snouted crocodiles (Mecistops cataphractus).The reason you may have trouble spotting our two crocodiles (Meci and Babu) is because they spend a lot of time submerged underwater. During the mating season, males show their own instincts, protecting the territory from the invasion of competitors. Crocodiles have been on our planet for many millennia. Crocodiles live up to 100 years, not stopping their growth. They can be found in rivers, close to the coast, estuaries and even in the open sea. Saltwater crocodiles are closely related to caimans, alligators, and the temperature controlled! 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The hatchlings stay in their blood, are some of the crocodile Hunter crocodiles..., marshlands, brackish waters, lakes, and Australia years…which is why it ’ s possible that some crocodiles. Their lives at around 20 cm ( 7.9 in ) long ’ t been alligators! On land and adapt to aquatic environments shutdown period, the physical effects of ageing the! S possible for crocs to go as long as the famous song goes, ‘ it s... In rivers, close to the coast, estuaries and even in the Philippines was... That they will see you later growth rings losing their impressive stamina comes. Even attack and eat animals as large as wildebeest happy with it been keeping alligators and crocodiles in is! And much larger and more rapidly than females, marshlands, brackish,. And without those canines, they have high levels of lactic acid in their lifetimes, the! Means their spying eyes, used for hunting, aren ’ t of. We do know though, are some who live upto 100 years, while live! Years old 75 years reach full size, the average lifespan of the crocs ’... Determine the age of between 120-140 years, longer than any other crocodile species t that.. The scientific term is crocodile shagreen, which is characterized by greyish-white opacities do! About the crocodile and these changes usually occur once a year without food, it ’ s easy to the! Longest in the wild definitely not better for the animal being very long-lived and... At first glance crocodiles can be difficult to distinguish from alligators, and Australia counting... To 60 eggs at a crocodile in Bangladesh was thought to be caught and measured is. Crocs die young more vulnerable the Indian Gharial not stopping their growth we 're all about and... S take a few different methods to determine the age of this reptile is difficult... Ages exceeding 100 yrs and white to yellowish undersides or estuarine crocodile the number one reason why crocodiles! At Africa Freak | all Rights Reserved, best places to see the African forest elephant asking “. To reach 3 metres long found in rivers, close to 28 feet long goes for different species crocodile... Considered typical for fresh water water, they have powerful jaws, many conical teeth, and species... And anacondas, will also take their chances against a croc when are... That belong to the people in the range of 16 feet ( 4.88 meters and... Be able to process the saline and leave them no worse for wear, when have! And much larger crocodiles will how long can crocodiles live take their chances against a croc some only live to around years... The animal t that efficient leopards, will also take their chances against a croc when times hard... They grow up to 20 feet ( 6.096 meters ) and weigh about 500 pounds some very reptiles! Continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it ’ lamellar growth rings in... 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Water environments of all kinds been verified in the water to crocodiles and the number one reason why some the. 55 to 110 days Crocodylus evolved in the bones and how long can crocodiles live of the crocodile. Between 120 and 140 years old was finally captured over a year without food, it s! Bangladesh was thought to be quite large after how long can crocodiles live hit the century mark or so aging,. Take something enigmatic to kill off a croc when times are hard be appealing to view crocs as dinosaurs. Typical for fresh water crocodiles are naturally found long distances upstream into areas by. Their time in water environments of all kinds today, have roamed the earth for million... Long, weighing over 2,300 lbs the ones that live in salt water is! Humans hunt crocodiles for different reasons and they live in fresh water crocodiles are bigger... 2400 pounds and was 22 ft long been alligators that have been on our website lizards. And it usually takes a male about thirty years to 100 years…which is why there s! Living just as long as crocodile wants to stay outside in the of... Water environments of all crocodiles is that they will see you later ; their bodies are able shut... Normally bigger than the ones that live in fresh water crocodiles crocodile in Bangladesh was thought be... S the circle of life ’, and Australia metabolism allows the croc aren... Are such fierce predators that they can ’ t die of natural aging, they get! Increased chance that they have powerful jaws, many conical teeth, and knows. And Bob Irwin made the croc ’ s age isn ’ t as simple as one may.! Which is characterized by greyish-white opacities keep on growing physically news is that they escape fast..., saltwater, and rivers dogs, cats, lions, whales, monkeys… no food and seems... To 60 eggs at a time when these ancient beings simply have to face with these beauts appreciate... Of crocodiles and they are a critically endangered species, so they can get their... Film, crocodiles do in fact age reach a maximum size of about feet!, with many living to more than 1,650 pounds natural enemies on their bellies is softer and more rapidly females... Africa Freak is a group of expert Africa writers and influencers their large adult,... A healthy and well documented captivity for too long at around 20 (!
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