Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Orinoco crocodile
Scientific name: Crocodylus intermedius
IUCN Status: Critically Endangered
Family: CROCODYLIDAE
Group: Reptiles
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 50 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 02.02-30.05
Gestation: 80–85 jours
Births: 01.05-31.08
Habitat:
Rivers, lakes and swamps of the Orinoco basin
Description:
The Orinoco crocodile is a large aquatic reptile in the family Crocodylidae, measuring 3–4 m in length, with olive-green scaly skin and a heavy head. It inhabits rivers, lakes and swamps of the Orinoco basin, feeding mainly on fish, turtles and small mammals. During nesting, the female builds a vegetation mound on the riverbank and lays 30–40 eggs, guarding them for about 80 days.
Recommended lens:
>=400 mm
Photography tips:
Photograph from a quiet boat at dawn, keeping a respectful distance from the riverbank. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze splashes during dives and a shallow depth of field to isolate the crocodile against the water.
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