World Croc Day

About World Crocodile Day

Here’s everything you need to know about World Croc Day, also known as World Crocodile Day.

When is World Croc Day?

World Croc Day is held on June 17th every year.

What is World Crocodile Day?

World Croc Day is an opportunity for conservationists and animal lovers to come together to highlight these amazing reptiles.

It’s also a chance to raise awareness of the threats crocodiles face, including their cruel treatment in poorly-regulated wildlife farms.

7 facts about crocodiles

1. There are 13 different crocodile species, including the Nile crocodile, the Cuban crocodile, and the saltwater crocodile.
2. Crocodiles have been on our planet for around 240 million years.  
3. The saltwater crocodile is the largest crocodile — and Earth’s largest living reptile. Males can reach more than seven metres long and weigh up to 1,000 kilograms.
4. Saltwater crocodiles replace their teeth every three to six months.  
5. The world’s smallest crocodile is the dwarf crocodile. It lives in the rainforests and mangroves of West and Central Africa — and rarely grows more than two metres long.
6. Crocodile mothers protect their eggs and young from predators. When baby crocodiles make a distress call, their mother will come running.
7. In Australia, 135,000 saltwater crocodiles are kept in wildlife farms. This compares to just 100,000 saltwater crocodiles living in the wild.

Crocodiles belong in the wild, not on farms

Crocodiles are one of the world’s most endangered animal groups. 

In the wild, habitat loss is one of the major threats to crocodile survival. Forests, rivers, and wetlands are being converted for farming, urban development, and infrastructure. So, crocodiles are being left without space to live, feed, and mate.

In some places, despite protections, crocodiles are hunted for their valuable skins and meat — and for use in traditional medicine. In areas of human-crocodile conflict, crocodiles are killed out of revenge or to reduce their perceived threat to local communities.

Most significantly, though, crocodiles are taken from the wild and bred in captivity on wildlife farms, where they endure malnourishment, disease, and stress-induced behaviours. Some of these farms are tourist attractions. In others, crocodiles are slaughtered so their skins can be used to create goods for the luxury fashion industry.  

Crocodile FAQS

How many days can a crocodile survive without food?

Crocodiles can go for a couple of months without food. In some extreme cases, they can survive for three years without eating.

How much do crocodiles eat a day?

Crocodiles don’t eat every day. Instead, they eat a large meal less frequently. The size of meal they need depends on their size and age. They are carnivores and feed on mammals, birds, fish, molluscs, crustaceans, amphibians, reptiles, and insects.

What's the difference between an alligator and a crocodile?

Alligators and crocodiles are often confused with one another. Here are the key differences between these reptile species:

• Snout. Crocodile snouts are narrow, v-shaped, and pointed. Alligator snouts are u-shaped and rounded.
• Teeth. Crocodiles have a long, lower fourth tooth that sits on the outside of their closed mouths — but when an alligator’s mouth is closed, all teeth are hidden from view.
• Colour. Alligators have a grey-black colour. Crocodiles are lighter in colour and tend to be olive green or brown.
• Location. Alligators live in the USA and eastern China, usually in freshwater habitats. Crocodiles tend to live in saltwater habitats in Africa, Australia, Asia, North America, South America, and Central America.

How long do crocodiles live?

Crocodiles in the wild can live for more than 65 years. However, infant mortality is very high. Only 1% of newborn saltwater crocodiles survive to adulthood.

How do crocodiles swim?

Crocodiles are very fast swimmers. They can swim at speeds of up to 12-15 mph, although only in short bursts. They can also hold their breath underwater for around an hour.