American Alligator
Size: 10 in
Cost: $240
(+ shipping)
Note: This
alligator is larger than its Chinese cousin, and has a broad
head and a snout that is rounded at the tip. The fourth tooth
in the lower jaw is enlarged but not visible when the jaw is
closed (as with the true crocodiles). Along the back and the
tail are rows of bony plates that form a strong armor. The legs
are short and sturdy, and the feet are webbed and have sharp
claws. They are generally gray or black in color, although
younger alligators may have cream or yellowish cross bands.
Alligators can reach up to 15 feet long. The alligator spends
much of the day basking in the sun along the shores or banks of
rivers and lakes. They prefer to stay hidden in the vegetation.
They may forage for food actively during the day or the night.
Its prey includes fish, turtles, snakes, small mammals, and
birds. Young alligators eat insects, frogs, and small fish.
Item#: american-aligator-va
Black Caiman Skull
Size: 23.3 in / 59.2 cm
Cost: $560
(+ shipping)
Note: Melanosuchus niger.
Black Caimans (Melanosuchus niger) are large, meat-eating
reptiles that spend most of their lives in the water. They live
in freshwater habitats in South America, including the Amazon
basin. They live in slow-moving rivers, streams, and lakes in
rain forests, and in seasonally flooded savannas. Caimans swim
very well, mainly using their tails to propel themselves
through the water, and also using their webbed feet. Black
Caimans are nocturnal. The Black Caiman is up to about 20 feet
(6 m) long. It has a bony ridge over the eyes, and black
armored skin. It is very similar to the American alligator.
Caimans hunt at night; they eat fish (including piranhas and
catfish), birds, turtles, reptiles, and mammals. They have
about 75 long, sharp, conical teeth, which are used for
catching prey (but they do not tear it apart - they swallow
their prey whole)
Item#: black-caiman-skull-r-s379-va
Broad Nosed Caiman Skull
Size: 9.7 in /
24.7 cm
Weight: 18 oz.
Cost: $240
(+ shipping)
Note: Caiman latrirostris.
The broad-nosed caiman is classified as a medium-sized
crocodilian, seldom exceeding 10 feet in length. The snout is
broader than in most other of their species. It tilts upward at
the nose, and has a ridge that runs down the center. The body
is a dark green color, with darker spots on the head and neck.
There are heavily ossified (bony) ridges running along the
back. This species is a highly adapted stealth predator. The
eyes, ears and nostrils are high on the head to allow hunting
with low surface visibility. From a mammalian standpoint,
crocodilians are the most “advanced” of the reptiles; with a
four-chambered heart, which improves oxidation of the blood; a
diaphragm, which improves the respiration rate; and a cerebral
cortex which improves their ability to learn, an asset for any
hunter. Like all crocodilians, caiman do spend a significant
amount of time out of the water, for body temperature
regulation, reproduction, or to escape disturbances. They are
not graceful on land. They have a high walk in which they move
up to 3 miles per hour, a slower belly crawl, and a faster
“gallop” which allows them to move at speeds of up to 19 miles
per hour for short periods. The larger the caiman, the slower
they move.
Item#: broad-nosed-caiman-skull-r-s105-va
Dwarf Caiman Skull
Size: 8.3 in /
21 cm
Cost: $240
(+ shipping)
Note: Paleosuchus palpeborosus.
Smallest extant species of crocodilian, males reaching a
maximum of 1.5 or 1.6 m, females rarely exceeding 1.2 m.
Heavily ossified armor on both dorsal and ventral surfaces -
protection which serves to make up for its small size, perhaps,
and reduces injury in more fast-flowing riverine habitats, as
well as from obstacles and predators during terrestrial forays
which are common in the adults. Has one of the most remarkable
head shapes of any crocodilian, being short, very smooth and
concave (high skull, upturned snout), with a pronounced
overlapping of the lower jaw by the upper. Skull shape may
reflect increased use of burrows, which are used as shelter by
adults during the day. Juveniles are brown with blank banding.
Adults are darker. Head is chocolate brown, with an iris color
to match. Lower jaw is flecked with white bands. Freshwater
forested riverine (drainages between and including the Amazon
and Orinoco rivers, in addition to those in Paraguay) and
flooded forests around larger lakes. Also known from rivers and
small streams in Bolivia (exposed shoreline and around dead
wood). Found on more open stretches of rivers and streams in
Bolivia. Although it generally prefers clean, faster-flowing
stretches of river, it does occur in very nutrient-poor waters
in southeastern Brazil and Venezuela. Known to utilize burrows
for long periods during the day. Can cover large distances
terrestrially at night. May be more tolerant of cooler water
conditions. Sub adults have been found in temporary, isolated
bodies of water.
Item#: dwarf-caiman-skull-r-s09-va
Smooth Front Caiman Skull
Size: 10.1in /
25.6cm; 5.5in / 14cm; 4.3in / 11cm
Weight: 18
oz.
Cost: $240
(+ shipping)
Note: Paleosuchus trigonatus.
Resting at the water's edge, only the head of this
smooth-fronted caiman is visible - 'smooth-fronted' because
like P. palpebrosus it lacks the bony ridge present in front of
the eyes of other caimans. Larger than Cuvier's dwarf caiman,
this species exceeds 2m in length, although this is still on
the small side for a crocodilian. This species is considered
less specialized than Cuvier's dwarf caiman, although both
Paleosuchus species are considered 'primitive' next to other
crocodilians.
Item#: smooth-front-caiman-skull-r-s04-va
African Narrow Snout Crocodile
Skull
Size: 16 in / 41.5 cm
Cost: $340
(+ shipping)
Note: Crocodylus cataphractus;
The African Slender-snouted crocodile gets its name comes from
its narrow snout, which is ideal for catching fish. Protective
scales cover the back of the neck and merge into the scales on
the back. Unlike other members of genus Crocodylus, there are
four rows of these scales instead of two. They are a dark olive
color on top (brighter in the young) and lighter on their
underside. They do have dark blotches on their underside and
their tail is usually heavily blotched or black. African
Slender-snouted crocodiles are found in Central and Western
Africa. These crocodiles live primarily in rivers but have been
found in lakes and along the coast. The crocodiles on the coast
indicate that there is some tolerance to salt water. As with
most crocodiles, Slender-snouted crocodiles hear very will, and
their eyesight and sense of smell are well developed.
Item#: african-narrow-snout-crocodile-skull-r-s34-va
American Crocodile Skull
Size: 31x17x16 in / 79x43x41 cm
Cost: $560
(+ shipping)
Note: Crocodylus Acutus.
American crocodiles can be distinguished from American
alligators by their longer, more narrow snouts and by their
lower teeth, which are visible even when the crocodile's mouth
is closed. American crocodiles have long, slender snouts, which
distinguish them from their cousin the alligator. Also unlike
the alligator, the fourth tooth on the bottom jaw of the
American crocodile is visible when its mouth is closed. Adult
crocodiles are 7 to 15 feet long and weigh 150 to 450 pounds.
American crocodiles inhabit areas where fresh and salt waters
mix, such as coastal wetlands and canals. They are found in
southern Florida, the Caribbean, southern Mexico, and along the
Central American coast south to Venezuela. Decidedly less
aggressive than the infamous Nile and Australian crocodiles,
American crocodiles are rarely seen by people. They eat a
variety of crabs, fish, waterfowl, and small mammals.
Item#: american-crocodile-skull-r-s50-va
Dwarf Crocodile Skull
Size: 10.6 in / 27 cm
Cost: $260
(+ shipping)
Note: Osteolaemus tetraspis;
Heavily armoured (neck, back, tail) with pronounced, ossified
ventral scales. Nuchal scale pattern: 3 transverse series (1:
two large scales; 2: two large scales; 3: two very small
scales). Adult colouration uniformly dark on the back and
sides, with lighter brown banding on body and tail of
juveniles, and yellow patterning on head. Belly colour is
yellowish with numerous black patches. Maximum recorded size
1.9m (6.3 feet). Short, blunt snout (snout length = basal
width), more similar in fact to a caiman - this may be due to
the fact that Osteolaemus has a similar ecology the dwarf
caimans. O. t. tetraspis is lighter in colour, with more
pointed, upturned snout. Heavy dorsal scale armour on back has
led to the name 'rough-backed' dwarf crocodile. O. t. osborni
is poorly known. Down-turned snout and less dorsal armour.
Primarily found in permanent pools in swamps and areas of
slow-moving freshwater in rain forests. Occasional reports of
individuals in isolated savannah pools, where burrows are
occupied during the dry season. Nocturnal. Spends most of the
day in burrows which are constructed by the crocodile. These
burrows are sometimes partially submerged, with the entrance
under the water surface. Crocodiles emerge usually at night and
forage either close to the water or extensively on the land,
particularly in covered and forested areas. In some areas,
individuals stay in isolated pools, hiding under tree roots
during the day. The ecology of this species is similar to the
New World Paleosuchus dwarf caimans.
Item#: dwarf-crocodile-skull-r-s75-va
Nile Crocodile Skull
Size: 18 in / 45.5 cm
Cost: $340
(+ shipping)
Note: Crocodylus niloticus;
This crocodile has a large head and a long, fairly narrow
snout. The fourth tooth of the lower jaw fits into an external
groove in the upper jaw and is therefore visible even when the
mouth is closed. The neck, trunk and tail are covered on top by
a solid armor of keeled, bony plates. The tail is extremely
stout and laterally compressed. The hind feet are webbed.
Adults are olive or gray, uniformly colored or with remnants of
the irregular black markings on back and sides that are seen in
the young. Belly cream oryellow. Total length: 8-20 ft (2.4-6
m). The Nile crocodile is a tierce and dominant car-nivore.
While it is usually seen basking motionless on sand-banks, this
species is a very adept hunter, taking prey by ambush, pursuit,
or using the tail to direct animals towards its mouth. Fish,
turtles, aquatic birds, and small mammals are taken. Bigger
individuals often lurk near drinking holes and may kill and
drag under water large prey such as domestic goats and
gazelles. Man is considered fair game.
Item#: nile-crocodile-skull-r-s381-va
Salt Water Crocodile Skull
Size: 27.6 in / 70 cm
Cost: $580
(+ shipping)
Note: Crocodylus Porosus.
This species has a large head with four large dermal scutes on
the nape of its neck, and a fairly long snout with a straight
bony projection in front of the eyes. The keeled bony plates
that form the back and tail armor are distinctly separated from
the neck scutes. The hind feet are webbed. Hatchlings and young
adults are yellow with numerous large dark spots on the body
and tail. Older individuals become dark olive. The belly is
white. Total length of these animals can reach 20 feet. Perhaps
the largest of the crocodilians, this gigantic reptile normally
lives in estuaries and shallow coastal waters, especially near
mangrove swamps. It often ventures into the open sea and some
individuals may be encountered at quite a distance from shore.
The diet is extremely varied and is composed of fish,
crustaceans, birds, and mammals. Like the Nile crocodile, it
sometimes kills domestic mammals and drags them under the
surface when the latter come to drink in lakes and rivers. It
holds the animal underwater and begins a death-roll, which
disorients and drowns the animal. It may wait days waiting for
the large carcass to decompose so that it can eat it.
Item#: salt-water-crocodile-skull-r-s404-va
False Gavial Skull
Size: 19.5x8x5 in / 50x20x13 cm
Cost: $340
(+ shipping)
Note: Tomistoma schlegeli.
Native to Borneo, Sumatra, Thailand and Malaysia, the False
Gavial has a more restricted distribution than does the Gavial.
Similarly long and narrow snouted, the False Gavial has been
observed to eat monkeys as well as fish; the False Gavial has a
total of about 80 teeth.
Item#: false-gavial-skull-r-s65-va
Ganges Gavial Skull
Size: 31 in / 79 cm
Cost: $550
(+ shipping)
Note: Gavialis gangeticus.
Characteristic elongate, narrow snout, similar only to the
false gavial, (Tomistoma schlegelii). Variation in snout shape
occurs with age (generally becomes proportionally longer and
thinner with increasing age). The bulbous growth on the tip of
the male's snout is called a 'Ghara' (after the Indian word
meaning 'pot'), present in mature individuals. It has several
functions attributed to it: a vocal resonator (which produces a
loud buzzing noise during vocalization), a visual stimulus to
females, and the production of bubbles associated with sexual
behaviour. The elongated jaws are lined with many interlocking,
razor-sharp teeth - an adaptation to the diet (predominantly
fish in adults). The gavial is one of the largest of all
crocodilian species, approaching C. porosus in maximum size -
males reach at least 5 meters in length, and often approach 6
meters. Reports of 7 meter animals exist, but are unconfirmed.
The gavial is poorly equipped for locomotion on land - the leg
musculature is not suited to raise the body off the ground (to
produce the 'high-walk' gait - being able only to push its body
forward across the ground ('belly-sliding'), although it can do
this with some speed when required. It is, however, very agile
in the water - the tail is well-developed and laterally
flattened, and the rear feet possess extensive webbing.
Item#: ganges-gavial-skull-r-s69-va
