The red-eyed crocodile is a tiny terrestrial lizard that look like dragon native to New Guinea that is kept as an exotic pet. The preferred habitat is tropical rainforest habitat, which was first described by Nelly de Rooij in 1909. This amazing species has been maintained as an exotic pet. These unique species are members of the Scincidae family. The scientific name of the red-eyed crocodile skink is Tribolonotus gracilis, where gracilis means “small” or “lanky.” Here are 15 interesting red-eyed crocodile facts:
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Red-Eyed Crocodile Facts
- The Red-Eyed Crocodile species can grow up to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) in length, and its average weight is between 1.3 and 1.6 ounces (37–45 grammes).
- Talking about appearance, the red-eyed crocodile is generally dark brown to black dorsally, along with a laterally and yellowish, cream-coloured underbelly. There is also a distinctive bright red ring around the eyes and crocodile-like scales on the back. They also have enormous, spiky, and triangular scales that look like crocodiles, hence the name of the animal species.
- The primary diet includes a variety of insects like fruit flies, small crickets, and mealworms, and they have also been observed to consume berries and little fruits. During this time, these nocturnal insects are insectivores, hunt nocturnal insects on coconut farms, and reside on leaf litter that covers the tropical forest floor. The crocodiles that are kept in captivity can be given a range of insect diets that are sold commercially, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, powdered calcium, and vitamin D3.
- The red-eyed crocodile is a reptile that likes to have a semi-fossorial lifestyle and is highly solitary in nature, except for their own parents and children. It prefers to stay most of the time among the leaf litter found on the forest floor and won’t go to the top of tree canopies, even for skilled climbers.
- The unique feature of the red eyes of crocodiles is the red ring around their eyes. This is another telltale sign. Another feature is that they vocalise in times of distress, have a tendency to freeze in fear, and have even been known to “play dead” when touched.
- Both males and females have brilliant orange or reddishish-coloured scales surrounding their eyes. The juvenile species lacks orange scales and has blue eyes. As soon as they reach the age of six months, these eye scales start to show. The back portion of the species is cobbled with scales that resemble armour.
- The red-eyed crocodile can be easily recognised with the help of red scales surrounding its eyes and crocodile-like scales on its back. The limb and top portion of the body are black or brown in both sexes and have cream or yellow undersides.
- Male species can be distinguished from females with the help of two characteristics. The male species has arge blue-grey pores that can be found on the toes of the hind foot of males and a rectangular area on their stomachs where their umbilical cord is connected, covered in larger, orange-tinted scales. The female species doesn’t have either of these features.
- During breeding season, male species used to fight among each other to attract females, but it is quite uncertain how they mate. The female species used to give one egg at a time every nine to ten weeks and could deposit up to ten eggs annually. There is a mother-child family grouping once their young hatch. The indications of the gendar are white pads, or pores, on the skinks’ rear foot, since only male species have them.
- Male species reach reproductive maturity at the age of three; however, females reach maturity at the age of four to five. It is very difficult to estimate the population of the lizard species, and the IUCN does not officially categorise the species as threatened. There is also no evidence that the population is declining. Loss of habitat and changing habitat are also two of the factors that can impact the population of red-eyed crocodiles.
- Red-eyed crocodiles can get infected with multiple diseases related to the illness of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal diseases, and bone disease caused by metabolism. They also get infected by salmonellosis and cryptosporidiosis. These illnesses can also spread softly, typically when the species is under stress or hungry. They. They feel extreme stress when touched by people, and it is not a good habit to communicate with them frequently.
- The female species of Red-Eyed Crocodile are extra protective of their eggs compared to other lizards. It lays one egg at a time by covering the egg completely with its body, and any kind of disruption will result in them fiercely defending it with biting and chirping.
- For caring for a red-eyed crocodile, you need at least a 15-gallon tank that should be poisoned with more horizontal than vertical space. A mesh cover is required for optimal ventilation and to ensure the lid fits securely, or else cunning skinks could escape. It is good to have a male and a female red-eyed crocodile skink in the same enclosure, and if you keep both of us, please make sure the tank size is bigger.
- It will be good if you place plants, pebbles, logs, and bark strips inside the tank enclosure and avoid packing it too full since they prefer to roam free. To conclude, the crocodile skink is an amazing animal with a distinctive look and fascinating activity, and it is very different from other lizards in behaviour, armour-like scales, and brilliant red eyes.
These are some interesting red-eyed crocodile facts. Kindly share and post your comments.