Saltwater Crocodiles [Crocodylia]
Description
Crocodylia is an order of reptiles that includes crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials. Within this order, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is notable for its marine adaptations. As the world's largest living reptile, the saltwater crocodile can be found in marine environments such as estuaries, mangroves, and the open sea in parts of the Indo-Pacific region. They have powerful tails for swimming, a high tolerance for salinity, and can travel long distances across the sea. Saltwater crocodiles are apex predators and play a critical role in their ecosystem, controlling the population of other marine and terrestrial animals.