Range: Central America (including Belize & Guatemala), southern Mexico

Habitat: Fresh water bodies, some coastal salt marshes

Size: 8-10 feet with pronounced dimorphism between the larger males and smaller females

Status: Appears to be stable in protected areas, greatest threat appears to be in Mexico with less control on poaching.   Eco tourism in places like Belize may have very positive impact on local populations.

Rain Forest Facts: Once confused with the Cuban and American Crocodile the Morelet's Crocodile is smaller than the other two species. 

Producing a surprisingly large clutch of eggs for a smaller species of Crocodilian, the Morelet's Crocodile can lay as many as 40 eggs per clutch (average 28).  A nest is excavated near the bank of a source of freshwater, the typical incubation period is 65-70 days.   As can be frequently observed in most crocodilian species the female will not only protect the nest but will respond to the calls of the juveniles as they hatch out. 

The majority of hatchings occur at night, this apparently in response to predatory birds sleeping while the young escape the nest.   Females will often assist the young crocodiles to the waters edge by carrying the young in her mouth.   The young crocodiles are allowed to stay near their mother for as many as 2 years while they grow large enough to defend themselves. 

The greatest risk facing the Morelet's Crocodile is loss of habitat, as areas in Belize and Guatemala develop the animals are being forced out.