Matara is the easiest place in Sri Lanka which you can spot both crocodile species in the country. Most estuarine crocodiles live in lagoons and estuaries of the Nilwala River, while mugger or freshwater crocodiles live in the upper reaches of the Nilwala River. There are two species of crocodiles in Sri Lanka. One is the Mugger or Marsh Crocodile known as Crocodylus pallustris. It is known as Geta Kimbula in Sinhala and Chanakan in Tamil. The other is the definite name, Crocodilus poroses, which has saltwater or estuarine crocodiles. In Sinhala, it is called Hela Kimbula and Semmookan in Tamil.
Crocodiles are more closely related to birds and dinosaurs than most animals classified as reptiles. Despite its pre origins, crocodiles are considered to be biologically complex reptiles. Unlike other reptiles, a crocodile has a cerebral cortex and a four-chambered heart. There are twenty-three species of crocodiles in the world today. The crocodiles date back to the Triassic, about 230 million years ago.
Crocodiles are large carnivorous reptiles found in the tropics of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Australia. The crocodile family can be divided into four main groups. They are Alligators, Caimans, Crocodiles, and Gharials.Crocodiles have an acute sensitivity and an evolutionary advantage, making them successful predators. The crocodiles have a very good night vision and are mostly nocturnal hunters. Crocodiles lay their eggs in holes or mounds, depending on the species. So if you come to Sri Lanka you can enjoy this wonderful, exciting time with some adventure.
