Global diversity of crocodiles (Crocodilia, Reptilia) in freshwater
Authors:Samuel Martin
DOI:10.1007/s10750-007-9030-4
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.
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