The American Crocodile has colonized most of Central America but it can also be found with a firm presence in the New World! On its wandering travels this pre historic looking creature has made its home also in South America, Peru and much of the Caribbean including the Dominican Republic.

Some Other Common Names for the American Crocodile:

Crocodrilo Ameriaco, Crocodile d’Amerique, Caiman de Aguja, Central American Alligator, Crocodrilo de Rio, Crocodile a Museau Pointu, Lagarto Amarillo, Lagarto Real, Llaman Caiman, South American Alligator, Saltwater American Crocodile

Where to find one in the Dominican Republic (that’s if you want to of course!...)

In Hispaniola the American Crocodile is so well established in fact that it represents one of the largest wildlife crocodile populations in the world.  Here in the Dominican Republic if you really fancy getting to face to face with an American Crocodile you will need to visit Lago Enriquillo. 

For more info on Lago Enriquillo check out our link for FAQs on National Parks on the island http://www.therealdr.com/content/view/218/385/

One of its favourite haunts is the intense brackish waters of the lake where the adults flourish in hyper-saline conditions by way of a salt gland in their mouth and also taking advantage of plenty of fresh water in the Lago’s unique environment.   Unfortunately for the hatchling crocodiles this is not so and Lago Enriquillo now appears to contain 4 times more salt than the sea, impossible conditions for the hatchlings to survive.  The massive salt presence is due in large to the diversion of streams feeding into the lake for irrigation purposes thus putting the baby crocs of serious risk ever getting any older.

Name Etymology:

Crocodylus is derived from the Greek word krokodeilos which means literally “pebble worm” (kroko means pebble and deilos means worm or man) this refers to the appearance of a crocodile.
Acutus means “sharp” or “pointed”in Latin which refers to the shape of the snout.

What they look like:

The American Crocodileis one of the larger crocodiliam species.  Males will typically reach 5 meters in length with reports of 6 and 7 meter animal having been recorded. Their Dorsal armor is irregular and much reduced compared to other species.  There is a very distinctive swelling in front of each eye, visible in all except the hatchlings.  Juveniles have a lighter colour (light tan) than adult animals with banding on the body and tail.  The adult crocs take on an olive brown colour.  Their iris is a silvery colour.

Let’s check out the Teeth!

5 pre-maxillary
13-15 maxillary
15 mandibular
Total of 66-68 jaw dropping nashers!

What they like to eat:

The American Crocodile in the Dominican Republic’s main diet is rice and beans…no seriously it is primarily fish and other aquatic species including crabs and turtles.  If they are lucky they will eat birds too.  Juvenile crocs will eat small fish and invertebrates.  The American crocodile will usually feed during night time and during the day it will rest in  deeper waters.

Conservation of the species:

The American Crocodiles are on an endangered list in other countries but for the Dominican Republic a successful restocking programme has helped the crocodile world.  At Lago Enriquillo  there is a stable population of around 200 together with a genetic reserve of growing juveniles in captivity.

How to get up close to your favorite croc!

If you are on vacation in the Dominican Republic and don’t fancy hiring a park ranger to go trekking for miles around the swamp lands of Lago Enriquillo, then get yourselves on Outback Safari.  Outback Safari is the best jeep safari the Dominican Republichas to offer and it has been running for over 10 years to prove it!! But best of all, Outback Safari will get you up close with your favourite croc friends.  Check out this link to read more about this fabulous tour and also what else is in store for you on an Outback Safari Adventure Day…..

Outback Safari's very own Crocodile Hunter, Ruddy the guide with a guest and Daisy a juvenile female American Crocodile! All on the north coast of the Dominican Republic...

Punta Cana Jeep Safari | Puerto Plata Jeep Safari Adventure

Kids Crocolicious Facts

Type -   Reptile family

Diet -     Carnivor (meat eater)

Average Life Span - Up to 70 years

Size-   Up to 15 feet or 4.6 meters

Weight-  Up to 2,000Llbs or 907 Kg

Protection Status - Endangered
Did you know?
One of the largest known populations of American Crocodiles in the world is found here in the Dominican Republic at Lago Enriquillo, a landlocked hyper-saline lake located around 131 feet below sea level.