Research Finds Some Species of Crocodiles can Climb Trees

Knoxville, Tennessee – The University of Knoxville has published a report in the peer-review journal known as “Herpetology Notes” which claims that certain species of crocodiles can climb trees. The article, conducted by the Department of Psychology, doesn’t suggest that the crocodiles can lean up against a tree. Rather, they claim the crocodiles can actually climb onto the tree reaching up to the crown thereof.

“Climbing a steep hill or steep branch is mechanically similar, assuming the branch is wide enough to walk on,” the authors wrote in the Herpetology Notes paper. ”Still, the ability to climb vertically is a measure of crocodiles’ spectacular agility on land.”

The study examined crocodiles on three continents: Africa, Australia, and North America. In all, there were as many as five species found to be capable of climbing trees. How far up the trees a crocodile would get did depend on its size.

However, even the larger tree climbing variety of a crocodile was able to reach heights of 4 meters (~13 feet) and make its way out as much as 5 meters (~16 feet) along a branch.

“The most frequent observations of tree-basking were in areas where there were few places to bask on the ground, implying that the individuals needed alternatives for regulating their body temperature,” the authors wrote. ”Likewise, their wary nature suggests that climbing leads to improved site surveillance of potential threats and prey.”

The discovery is all the more stunning given the reptiles are not known for speed on land. Some species can reach 10-15 feet in length and are capable of vertical movement up trees. It is believed that in many cases the tree climbing has to do with regulation of their body temperature. However, it also affords them enhanced vision of incoming threats and potential targets.

Previous studies on crocodilians – including crocodiles, caimans and alligators- found that they use tools such as twigs and branches to set a trap for birds.

On The Web:
Crocodiles can climb trees: study
http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/yikes-some-crocodiles-can-climb-trees/