Global diversity of crocodiles (Crocodilia, Reptilia) in freshwater

Abstract

Living crocodilians include the 24 species of alligators, caimans, crocodiles and gharials. These large semi-aquatic ambush predators are ubiquitous in freshwater ecosystems throughout the world's tropics and warm temperate regions. Extant crocodilian diversity is low, but the group has a rich fossil record in every continental deposit. Most populations suffered from over-hunting and habitat loss during the twentieth century and even though some species remain critically endangered others are real success stories in conservation biology and have become important economic resources. (PUBLICATION ABSTRACT)