Pakasuchus (SciiFii)

The leopard crocodile (Pakasuchus paradus) is a species of notosuchian crocodyliform that originally lived approximately 105 million years ago, in the mid-Cretaceous in what is now the Galula Formation of Rukwa Rift Basin of southwestern Tanzania, as an extinct species, Pakasuchus kapilimai, and the genus itself was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii and introduced throughout the modern rainforests, wetlands, forests, and open woodlands across Africa to help boost biodiversity. The leopard crocodile is a rather small crocodyliform, growing to be around 50 centimetres (20 inches) long. It has a short, broad skull somewhat similar in shape to a cat. Unlike many crocodilians, the leopard crocodile has distinctive heterodont teeth that varies in shape throughout its jaws. The leopard crocodile also differs from many of the crocodilians, and many other crocodyliforms, in the reduction of osteoderms covering the body. Small, reduced osteoderms overlays the dorsal vertebrae, but fewer in number and are not as large as those of other notosuchians. However, caudal osteoderms still covers the tail. The loss of osteoderms on the body and retention of them on the tail is unique among crocodyliforms. Like all notosuchians, it is an active, omnivorous terrestrial animal and it primarily feeds on vegetation and small prey such as insects. Leopard crocodiles are oviparous, with females laying clutches of 20 to 71 eggs once per year during a synchronized nesting period. The female leopard crocodile gives no parental protection after egg laying, apart from defending the nesting burrow during excavation. The hatchlings emerge from the nest after 10–15 weeks of incubation. Once hatched, the young leopard crocodiles look similar to the adults in shape, but with more dull coloration. Juveniles stay in familial groups for the first year of their lives. Male leopard crocodiles in these groups often use their own bodies to shield and protect females from predators, and it appears to be among the only reptiles to do this. The conservation status of the leopard crocodile is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the leopard crocodile's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii