Mariliasuchus (SciiFii)

The Brazilian plant-eating crocodile (Mariliasuchus brasilensis), also known as the South American plant-eating crocodile, is a species of notosuchian mesoeucrocodylian that originally lived close to what is now Marilia, Brazil, during the Late Cretaceous between 84.9 and 66.0 million years ago as two extinct species, Mariliasuchus amarali and Mariliasuchus robustus, 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. Adult Brazilian plant-eating crocodiles have a head-body length of 70–80 centimeters (28–31 inches) and weigh between 5.5 and 8.6 kilograms (12 and 19 lbs), with the males larger than the females. Unlike many modern-styled crocodylians, the Brazilian plant-eating crocodile is an animal of terrestrial habits, although it does not have an erect or semi-erect posture, but rather a sprawling posture. Its nostrils are located on the front of the skull, and it has modified dentitions, differentiated in incisiforms, caniforms and molariforms, which are convergent with those of pigs. Strangelly, in particular, are the anterior-most teeth, which are directed horizontally rather than vertically, and are used for slicing through plant matter. Despite its name, however, the Brazilian plant-eating crocodile is not purely herbivorous, and can also feed on insects and smaller vertebrates to supplement its diet. Mating generally occurs in the spring. Males show dominance and interest by head bobbing; eventually the male will chase the female until he can catch her and subdue her. Within eight to ten weeks, the female will dig a nest and lay clutches of up to 30 eggs. The eggs hatch in 90 days with the hatchlings digging their way out of the sand and/or dirt. These juveniles are typically green with brown markings, although all brown hatchlings have been recorded as well. The conservation status of the Brazilian plant-eating crocodile is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the Brazilian plant-eating crocodile's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii