Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius)

The South American Orinoco crocodile, a notable inhabitant of Venezuela's and Colombia's river basins, is a titan among reptiles. Male counterparts stretch up to 14 feet long, ranking them among the earth's biggest crocodile species.

Their sandy hues, aptly designed for the riverine backdrop, assist in maintaining an element of surprise when hunting prey. Their physical attribute of a long, slender snout is crafted for capturing fish. However, as opportunistic feeders, they can also occasionally consume small mammals, reptiles, and even caimans.

Over-hunting in the early to mid-1900s led to an alarming reduction of over 80% in the Orinoco Crocodile population. Today, trade is blocked, and over-exploitation isn't a significant threat. However, illegal harvest, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and riverside development still pose considerable threats. 

Sadly, with approximately 250 mature individuals remaining, Orinoco Crocodiles are endangered.