Notosuchus (SciiFii)

The Argentine plant-eating crocodile (Notosuchus argentinensis), also known as the Argentinian plant-eating crocodile, is a species of notosuchian crocodylomorph that originally lived in Argentina approximately 85 million years ago in the Coniacian or Santonian stages of the Late Cretaceous as two extinct species, Notosuchus terrestris and Notosuchus lepidus, 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, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across South America to help boost biodiversity. The Argentine plant-eating crocodile is relatively small, reaching 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) in length and a weight of 36 kg (79 lb). Like several other notosuchians, the Argentine plant-eating crocodile has very mammalian-looking dentition for slicing vegetation. Despite its name, the Argentine plant-eating crocodile is not entirely herbivorous and it also feeds on insects, smaller vertebrates, eggs, and carrion. The Argentine plant-eating crocodile is a diurnal creature that tends to live under the shade of trees and will seek sunlight/heat on days with cool temperature. The Argentine plant-eating crocodile, similar to many other crocodilians and relatives, reproduces by laying eggs. The breeding season takes place between October and November, with courtship and mating commencing in January. They lay large white eggs, which have a leathery texture. The species is oviparous and the incubation periods can last from 60 to 90 days. Female Argentine plant-eating crocodiles are usually found defending the eggs and guard the nest of eggs. Females dig holes on the forest floor, where 31 to 47 eggs are laid and they then fill the hole or burrow. The eggs are white and leathery, with the average number of eggs in a clutch being around 37 to 42. Eggs take roughly 2-3 months to hatch and this occurs at the beginning of summer. A few of weeks prior to hatching, a brown oval mark arises on the surface of the egg. This oval mark identifies the spot where the baby Argentine plant-eating crocodile's head will pop out of the egg. Sometimes, a full day can pass before the Argentine plant-eating crocodile hatches from the egg. After hatching, the baby Argentine plant-eating crocodiles obtain moisture by licking wet plants. The conservation status of the Argentine plant-eating crocodile is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Argentine plant-eating crocodile's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii