These orange cave-dwelling crocodiles, which can be found in the Abanda caves in a remote region in Gabon, could be mutating into a new species. They were first discovered in 2009. It remains a mystery why the crocodiles are orange, but scientists best guess is that acidic bleaching from bat feces could be the cause.2 Mar 2018
Can crocodiles turn orange?
Are there orange crocodiles?
The West African state of Gabon is famous for its biodiversity but in a galaxy of spectacular finds, one stands out: orange crocodiles. Scientists looking for traces of ancient human life stumbled upon the unusual reptiles decade ago as they searched in the gloom of isolated caves in Gabon's southern Omboue region.
How many orange crocodiles are there?
To date, the team has discovered a population of around thirty cave crocodiles, ten of which are orange, though more may remain hidden.
What do cave crocodiles eat?
Whereas outside crocodiles feed on shrimps, crabs, frogs, we found in cave crocodiles' stomachs crickets, bats, insects and a big amount of algae.
Do crocodiles live in underwater caves?
The research team found as many as 50 orange-tinted crocodiles living up to 100 meters into the cave system, but they suspect that's a short estimate for the entire population. An expedition deeper into the caves will be necessary for a full population assessment.
Are there yellow crocodiles?
They are dark grayish-brown in color with dark bands and spots on the body and the tail. This is similar to other crocodiles, like the American crocodile, but the Morelet is somewhat darker. Juvenile crocodiles are bright yellow with some dark bands.
Why are alligators turning orange?
BLUFFTON, S.C. — The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources says the gator's orange hue has likely come from hibernating in water that contains rust. Officials say that eventually, the gators will turn back into their original color.
Which country has the largest crocodile?
This species is the only extant crocodilian regularly to reach or exceed 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in). A large male in the Philippines, named Lolong, was the largest saltwater crocodile ever caught and placed in captivity. He was 6.17 m (20 ft 3 in) long and weighed 1,075 kg (2,370 lb).
Do crocs eat bats?
The crocodiles don't swim in bat poop — well, technically it's bat guano, which is the technical name for bat excrement, but you get the idea — for fun. The crocs that call the caves home actually eat the bats that live inside, and with tens of thousands of bats in the cave there's plenty to munch on.