The Morelet’s Crocodile is a medium-sized species of crocodilian that is native to parts of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala in Central America.
This species is named after the French naturalist Pierre Marie Arthur Morelet.
They are typically dark grey or olive green in color with a V-shaped snout and bony ridges above their eyes. They have a broad, robust body and can grow up to about 10 feet in length.
The Morelet’s Crocodile is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and human activities. They are protected by conservation law in many regions to ensure their survival.
Morelet’s Crocodile Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Morelet’s Crocodile belongs to is called Crocodylidae. This is the family of True Crocodiles native to the tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world.
These Crocodiles can be found in places such as Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.
There are currently 3 recognised genera and a total of 18 recognised species in this family.
There are more species in the Crocodilia Sub-Family such as Alligators and Caiman but these species aren’t considered ‘True Crocodiles’.
The most obvious external differences are visible in the head, with Crocodiles having narrower and longer heads, with a more V-shaped than a U-shaped snout compared to Alligators and Caimans.
Genus
The genus that the Morelet’s Crocodile belongs to is called Crocodylus. While some sources consider the 3 genera of Crocodylidae as ‘True Crocodiles’, the species in this genus really are the ‘True Crocodile’ species.
There are currently 13 recognised species in this genus and a few recognised sub-species. There are also 5 extinct species in the genus.
The Crocodylus genus likely originated from Africa with species spreading towards South-East Asia and the Americas. However, some scientists believe their roots can be traced to Asia and Australia.
Species
The scientific name for the Morelet’s Crocodile is Crocodylus moreletii and there are currently no recognised sub-species.
This species was first described in 1850 in Mexico by the French naturalist Pierre Marie Arthur Morelet.
Morelet’s Crocodile Description
The Morelet’s Crocodile can typically reach lengths of 8 to 10 feet, although individuals up to 13 feet have been recorded.
They have tough, scaly skin that is covered in bony plates known as osteoderms, which provide protection and help regulate body temperature.
The coloration of their skin can vary, but it typically ranges from olive-green to brown, helping them blend into their freshwater habitats.
They have a powerful tail that is laterally compressed, allowing for efficient propulsion in the water. The tail is also used for steering and balance when swimming.
Like other species of crocodile, their limbs are relatively short and sturdy, with webbed toes. These adaptations aid in swimming and moving through the water. On land, they can move quickly when necessary.
The Morelet’s Crocodile has a formidable set of teeth. Their upper and lower jaws are lined with sharp teeth designed for capturing and holding onto prey.
Juveniles often have brighter coloration and more distinct dark bands or spots on their body. As they mature, these markings may become less prominent, and their overall coloration tends to darken.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Morelet’s Crocodile can be found in parts of Central America, in places such as Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.
They can be found in the South-Eastern and Eastern parts of Mexico. They inhabit the Yucatan Peninsula, including the States of Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán. They can also be found in parts of Tabasco and Chiapas.
They are widely distributed throughout Belize and can be found in various freshwater habitats, including rivers, lagoons, and swamps.
In Guatemala, the Morelet’s Crocodile is mainly found in the Northern and Central regions, including the Petén and Alta Verapaz regions.
Their distribution is closely tied to freshwater ecosystems, including rivers, wetlands, and coastal estuaries.
These crocodiles are well adapted to life in freshwater environments and are known for their ability to tolerate cooler water temperatures compared to some other crocodile species.
Morelet’s Crocodile Behaviour
The diet of the Morelet’s Crocodile mainly consists of fish, crustaceans, birds, and small mammals. They are opportunistic predators and will also scavenge on carrion.
They are known for their patience and will often lie in wait, partially submerged in water, for prey to come within striking distance. When an opportunity arises, they can lunge quickly to catch their prey.
The Morelet’s Crocodile can be territorial and defend their territory against intruders, especially during the breeding season. They may engage in vocalizations and displays to establish dominance.
This species is often more active during the night, particularly when hunting. They have excellent night vision, which aids in locating prey in low-light conditions.
The Morelet’s Crocodile is an ectothermic reptile, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
They often bask in the sun to warm up, especially in the mornings, before increasing their activity levels.
