jupitersterrain four

crocodile behaviour

squeaking and grunting sounds, growl, and hiss


quack roar  A roaring crocodile tenses the muscles of its body so that the head and tail rise high out of the water. The flanks may vibrate so violently that water is sprayed high into the air from each side. Sounds, including roars, may be provoked by any loud noise. Many species will respond to gunshots, motors, and even people mimicking crocodile sounds

These animals also appear to communicate using chemical signals. Glands in the mandible and cloaca excrete oily chemicals that have a poorly understood function in communication

They are often curious and show evidence of rapid learning. Captive individuals of some species are known to recognize their keepers and show neither fear nor aggressiveness. These animals beg for food, and some even permit themselves to be petted

When swimming, the crocodile places its legs back against the sides of the body and moves forward by means of lateral wavelike motions of the tail. When walking on land, crocodiles hold themselves high on all four legs. The characteristic sinusoidal (side-to-side) flexure of the body is caused by the movement of a front leg in concert with the opposing hind leg during each step. A cantilevered tail also balances the body. When moving quickly into the water from a bank, crocodiles slide on their bellies and push themselves forward with the feet. Crocodiles are also capable of galloping short distances



22.21, 8.12.12. 



the animals signal each other using changes in body profile, touch, and vocalization. Chemical signals are probably also part of courtshipThe male then mounts the back of the female, and both animals rotate their tails

Until hatching occurs, the female usually remains close to the nest to protect the eggs from predators

In captivity, males have also been observed assisting in the hatching process and providing hatchling care

To break up their image to predators, chameleons often try to mimic a branch in the wind. To do so, they often walk very slowly while the rock back and forth as they advance very slowly