At a glance
- IUCN category
- CR · Critically Endangered
- Animal group
- Reptiles & Amphibians
- Population trend
- Stable
- Last verified
Conservation overview
The Orinoco crocodile is one of the largest predators in the Americas and among the most endangered crocodilians. It is assessed as Critically Endangered.
Heavy hunting for its hide in the 20th century left only small populations.
Range & habitat
The Orinoco River basin of Colombia and Venezuela.
Major threats
Threats below are drawn from the authoritative sources listed on this page. For the current, complete assessment, see the IUCN Red List.
- Past hunting for skins
- Egg and habitat loss
- A very small population
Why it matters
A top river predator reduced to a fraction of its former numbers, the Orinoco crocodile is a focus for crocodilian recovery and river conservation in northern South America.
Sources
Sources for Orinoco Crocodile
- IUCN Red List — look up Orinoco Crocodile (authoritative status)
- reptile-database.reptarium.cz
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the Orinoco crocodile?
It is one of the largest living crocodilians and a top predator of the Orinoco basin, with large males reaching several metres in length.
Why is the Orinoco crocodile Critically Endangered?
Published assessments cite intensive past hunting for its skin, egg and habitat loss, and a very small remaining population. See the IUCN Red List.
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