With detailed captions explaining the origins, habitat, and behavior of these fascinating species,
Crocodiles, Alligators & Lizards
is a vivid pictorial guide in brilliant photographs.
Crocodiles, alligators, caimans, Gila monsters—these creatures all have dinosaur ancestries dating from 94 million years ago. There is something elemental and scary about a crocodile, with its tough scaly skin, long powerful tail, conical, peg-like teeth, and vicious bite. And these creatures can still be found in every part of the world. Divided by continent,
introduces the American alligator, an apex predator that swims the coasts, estuaries, and swamps of the southeastern USA feeding on fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals; the black caiman, which can grow up to an enormous 20 feet in length and prefers the habitat of the slow-moving rivers and lakes of the Amazon basin; the frilled lizard, which spreads its frilly neck when threatened or to impress other lizards; the Gila monster, whose two-tone camouflage allows it to easily blend into its desert habitat; and the Komodo dragon, which can run up to 13 mph over short distances and has a venomous bite that can paralyze large animals.