CROCODILE


The word 'crocodile' derives from the Greek krode-drilos, meaning 'pebble worm' - a reference to this reptile's knobbly skin. For centuries, its skin has been highly prized around the world.
The world’s largest reptile is the Saltwater Crocodile, growing 18 feet which is farmed for its meat and skin. Of the 22 remaining species of crocodilians (crocodiles, alligators & gharials), 17 are considered to be in grave danger of extinction.
Nile Crocodiles are found in tropical and southern Africa and in Madagascar. They live in rivers, mangrove swamps, and freshwater marshes. These crocodiles are large lizard-shaped reptiles with long powerful tails. The average Nile Crocodile grows to 16 feet, but can be up to 20 feet long. In the wild, the typical crocodile lives 45 years, but in captivity they can live as long as 80 years. Nile Crocodiles are vulnerable because various animals such as lions, elephants, leopards and hippopotamuses hunt them. Humans are their worst enemy because they hunt crocodiles for their skin, which is made into shoes, belts, and bags.
Lao PDR is home to a unique species of freshwater crocodile, the Siamese Crocodile, but urgent action is necessary to prevent the loss of this species from its natural range in Southeast Asia. Historically, Siamese Crocodile lived in the rivers and wetlands throughout the Lower Mekong Basin of Lao PDR, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, but wild crocodile populations in these countries have been declining due to loss of habitat, hunting pressure, and collection of individuals for crocodile farms.
The populations of the American Crocodile have greatly declined as it was hunted for it skin and its habitat has been destroyed. Human population pressures in southern Florida take an additional toll on young crocodiles. Dams built to supply water for homes, cities and farms greatly reduce the flow of fresh water from Lake Okeechobee into Florida Bay. The salt content of the bay is rising dramatically. Adult crocodiles can tolerate salt water, but hatchlings can't. They need fresh water to survive.
FIJIAN BANDED IGUANA
The Fijian Banded Iguana and the closely related Crested Iguana are the most geographically isolated iguanas in the world. They are believed to have evolved from Green Iguanas that rafted on debris across the Pacific Ocean from South America. Male Fijian Banded Iguanas are emerald green with broad, light-colored bands. The females are solid green with occasional spotting. Due to habitat destruction and, more significantly, the introduction of mongooses and house cats to the islands, populations of these iguanas have been declining over the past century. Both species of Fijian Iguanas are considered to be endangered.

The 'Fantasea Collection' wildlife design portrays the energy & spirit of the prehistoric Crocodile, the shy Fijian Banded Iguana, the exotic Green Iguana and the fastest known insect, the colorful dragonfly while creating an awareness that many reptiles are in danger of extinction.

Fantasea Collection