How do crocodiles mate video

Because of this, the new arrivals were settling in really well. Mating-call rumblings from the giant reptiles are audible above the surface of a lake or river. But when the low-frequency vibrations are trapped underwater, they become something visible — creating patterns in water that shoot above the surface like fountains as one more way to attract a suitable female for reproduction.

The park has 55 American alligators, the largest population in the country, and turns feeding time into a public spectacle for visitors every day. The process of releasing new arrivals into the lagoon is considered especially dangerous. Zookeepers open each box and hope the alligators head for the water and not for them. Eventually, the loser will retreat, and the winner will have acquired or successfully defended a bevy of females. When approaching a female, courting males will emit vocalizations and swim around prospective mates closely, attempting to entice them into breeding.

Crocodiles typically mate underwater. The male will grasp the female -- often from the side -- and align their cloacas. Because the mating activities of crocodiles typically occur in seclusion, and it happens underwater, humans rarely observe the behavior. The mating process typically lasts several minutes, but a given pair may mate several times over the course of one season to ensure fertilization. Eggs are usually laid about four to six weeks after mating. As the time for egg deposition approaches, female crocodiles construct a large nest of grass, leaves and sticks.

The nest serves several purposes: in addition to helping to maintain a thermally stable and appropriately humid environment, the height of the nest reduces the chances that a flood will destroy the eggs. The female will deposit about 50 eggs inside the nest, and cover them before returning to the water. During the odd day long incubation period, the female will attempt to guard the nest from predators. In exceptionally dry years, females may splash water on the nest to prevent egg desiccation.

When hatching time nears, the young begin emitting squeaking sounds that scientists suspect may synchronize the hatching of the siblings and alert the mother that hatching is imminent. When the young begin to emerge from their shells, the mother will help dig them out of the nest and transport them to the relative safety of the water.

Upon her approach, they will climb to the safety of her back. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Anatomically Correct Crocodiles of both sexes have a slit near the junction of their legs and tail, on their ventral side.