Crocodile+Period+3


 * Group Members:** Kate Marani and Ellie George


 * How Will We Work Together:** We will split the work equally.


 * Research:**

__Questions__:

__**1. Where does your animal live, and what are its characteristics?**__


 * Locate your animal’s habitat (Where does it live? Does it migrate?)**

Crocodiles live in many different habitats. They include: lakes, rivers, freshwater swamps, and brackish water. Sub-adults move into different habitats, away from breeding areas, when they reach about 1.2 meters long. Nile crocodiles make their habitat by digging dens (usually with their snouts and feet) where they can protect themselves from extreme temperatures.

Suggested subspecies: C. n. niloticus (Ethiopian Nile crocodile), C. n. pauciscutatus (Kenyan Nile crocodile, Kenya alligator, Kenya caiman), C. n. suchus (Central African Nile crocodile)
 * Include all subspecies or varieties of your animal.**

1 Generally, it is a large crocodilian, averaging 5 or 6 m in length. 2. The have 64 to 68 teeth. 3 Nile Crocodiles' brains and hearts are more advanced than any other reptile. 4. They have lachrymal glands that cleanse their eyes with tears. 5 They have four short, stubby legs and long, powerful tails suitable for swimming. 6 They have nictitating membranes which is a third set of eyelids to protect their eyes, keep their eyes moist, and maintain visibility. 7 Nostrils, eyes, and ears are on the tops of their head, so the rest of the body can remain hidden underwater. 8 Their coloration helps them hide: Juveniles are grey, dark olive, or brown; with darker cross-bands on their tail and body. As they mature they become darker and the cross-bands fade, especially those on the body. 9 The underbelly is yellowish, and makes high-quality leather. 10 The lower fourth tooth grows extra long and is visible even when the mouth is closed.
 * Identify at least 10 characteristics that will give an in-depth, accurate description of your animal**

__**2. Where and why is your animal endangered?**__


 * Locate where it is endangered (might not be endangered in all its habitats)**

Nile Crocodiles were once widely distributed over Africa south of the Sahara and on offshore islands. Their present range is smaller and they have become endangered because of habitat destruction and the value of their leather. They occupy a wide variety of freshwater habitats. Occasionally they are found on ocean beaches or river mouths.

While illegal poaching is no longer a problem, they are threatened by pollution, hunting, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets.
 * Identify the factors, environmental and/or anthropogenic (caused by man) that cause it to be endangered**

The value of its leather on it stomach makes it more desirable to hunt.
 * Provide statistics and other facts related to its endangerment**


 * __3. Where is your animal in captivity and/or conserved?__**

The American crocodile can be found in Biscayne National Park, FL, and Everglades National Park, FL.
 * Locate at least two zoos and/or conservation centers where the animal is held.**


 * __4. What is being done to restore your animal’s populations? Where is it being done?__**

The San Diego Zoo and the Australia Zoo.
 * Locate where research is done on your animal and where efforts are underway to conserve its population (Note: It may be that this is done at the same location(s) you identified in #3)**

C.R.E.S specializes in helping people get knowlege and awareness of plants and animals. Steve Irwin has been very involved in the conservation of crocodiles.
 * Identify the experts, leaders, and/or groups guiding the conservation**

I. Government A. Permits 1. The government requires permits for trapping, hunting, and killing crocodiles.
 * Outline:**

www.sevenoneinternational.com/ Image by: Hamed Saber Image by: Ramy Alaa Image by: cprogrammer Image by: prolix6x Image by: {Alicia}
 * Photos**

Google Earth Tour: [|crocodile3.kmz]
 * Videos

Bibliography (All Resources Used)** __Sources__

http://lovettscience7.wikispaces.com/Snow+Leopard+Period+6

http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar516840&st=snow+leopard

http://library.thinkquest.org/J001797/leopard.html

http://go.grolier.com/

www.shadyglen.com.au/

http://www.honoluluzoo.org/

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/

http://www.warrenphotographic.co.uk/