Females begin to construct mound nests before the onset of the annual rains. Nests are often found within very close proximity of termite mounds. The reasons for this are thought to be concerned with maintenance of a high incubation temperature, utilising vented heat from the termite mound. Number of eggs laid is in the range of 10 to 20. Incubation time is very long for a crocodilian, being as long as 115 days.
Hatchlings emerge as water levels are rising from the rains.
Juveniles disperse over a wide range following hatching, with adults maintaining permanent territories over wide areas. While juvenile mortality is relatively high, adult mortality is very low. Predators may include large carnivores such as jaguars. Information gathering on other species of crocodilians has led to the accumulation of a reasonable amount of survey data for this species. Due to the osteoderm-laden nature of the skin of this species it has, like P. palpebrosus escaped significant hunting pressure.