African Dwarf Crocodile

Osteolaemus tetraspis

RANGE West and central Africa

HABITAT Slow-moving water in aquatic forests and savanna

DIET Crabs, frogs, fish, small mammals, snakes, and birds

The African dwarf crocodile is heavily armored, having bony plates in the neck, back, and tail scales. The dwarf crocodile usually lives alone and is nocturnal, coming out of burrows to feed at night.

After breeding, the female constructs a mound nest of vegetation and lays up to 20 eggs.

Threatened by habitat destruction and hunting for its skin and meat.