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Reptiles of the Rainforests

Crocodile

Habitat:
South America as well as many other parts of the world. Near water.
Diet:
Fish, birds, other reptiles and mammals.
Enemies:
Poachers (humans). In South America, anacondas.
Facts: Many species of crocodiles are endangered.
Crocodiles lay still for hours to attack prey.
Drowns prey, then eats it.
Takes 4 months for eggs to hatch.
Can pull a full grown wilderbeast into the water in about 20 minutes.
All crocodiles have at least 60 strong teeth.
Freshwater crocodiles are smaller than saltwater crocodiles. The freshwater crocodile has a pointier snout.
Some crocodiles lie with their mouths open and allow birds to safely pick food particles and parasites from their teeth and gums.
They can jump out of the water so fast, you can hardly see them.
Their teeth can only grip and rip.
Crocodiles are one of the most intelligent reptiles.
Their tail is longer than their body.
Some that live in the wild can live to be over 100 years old.

Anaconda
Habitat:
Northern South America. Marshes, brushes and swamps. Understory layer. Parts of the Amazon rainforest.
Diet:
Capybara, tapir, frogs, turtles, caiman, alligator, water birds, and small mammals.
Enemies:
Crocodile, jaguar, ocelot, caiman, and alligator when young.
Facts:
They are a relative of the Boa Constrictor.They are not poisonous.There are four species of anacondas. The two most common are the common anaconda (Eunectes murinus ), and the yellow anaconda (Eunectes notaeus.).
They are as thick as a telephone pole, bigger species can weigh about 200-300 pounds (most of their weight comes from liquids), and can be over 30 feet long as adults (most are probably in the 15-25 feet range).
The Yellow anaconda is a smaller species and is around 3 -5 feet in length.
Mothers give birth to 14-18 live newborns which are 75-81 cm in length.
Females are much bulkier than males.
Can eat a deer or goat whole. Doesn't like ticks, ants, or leeches and usually drowns its prey.
They "constrict" (squeeze) their prey and take several hours to swallow it.
Anacondas have sharp teeth which help grip their prey as they are constricting it.
Their bite is very powerful and can penetrate deep into flesh.
Their best sense is smell.
Anacondas hide themselves well, their camouflage is excellent.
Their life span is about 25 years. Some live much longer, even up to 50 years.
They are shy and are a great water boa.

Komodo Dragon

Habitat:
Islands of Indonesia.
Diet:
They are meat eaters (snakes, birds, deer, rodents, and other animals). Also will eat eggs.
Enemies:
Poachers (humans).
Facts:
The Komodo dragon has a very keen sense of smell.
They usually live around 20 years, but can live longer.
The largest of the monitor lizards, it can grow up to 10 feet long.
They shed and replace their teeth, just like a shark.
They are capable of swimming and are very fast runners, but only for a short distance.
If hungry enough they will eat other Komodo dragons.
The males (up to 300 pounds) are bigger than females (up to 200 pounds).
They are an endangered species.

Rainbow Lizard

Habitat:
Trees, branches, and forest floor of rainforest. Other habitats include scrub forests, savanna, deserts and mountains. Parts of Africa.
Diet:
Insects and fruit.
Enemies:
Large cats and snakes.
Facts:
They belong to the Family Agamidae.
Males (up to 25 cm) are a little bigger than females (up to 20 cm).
The Rainbow lizard is able to change colors.
It sleeps on fallen trees.
The Rainbow lizard has dry, scaly skin.
It eats fallen fruit.
The Rainbow lizard has a snake-like tongue and waits patiently for prey to come near.
It makes a hissing sound when fighting.
It is related to the gecko. They are also related to snakes and look like a salamander.
Their scales are used as armor.
The Rainbow lizard blinks two sets of eyelids, one from the top and one from the bottom.
It has folding ribs and can fit in small places.
The female will bury her eggs under soil until hatched. Usually she lays less than 10 eggs.
Can spot enemies up to a mile away.