Morelet's Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) 28 January 2011, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Belize District, Belize.




These relatively small freshwater crocodiles are endemic to Belize and adjacent Mexico and Guatemala. The lower teeth project outside the snout on crocodiles but not usually on Alligators or Caymans.

This species was hunted heavily through the mid 20th Century, but now is protected. Total world population is estimated at 10,000-20,000. Formerly considered endangered, it is currently listed as "conservation dependent" which means it is not of high risk of extinction as long as conservation measures remain in place.

Photographed from a boat - Panasonic DMC-LZ5
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