Where do crocodilians live in the wild?
Crocodilians are found mainly in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world, being unable to survive and reproduce successfully in cold climates. However, the American alligator and Chinese alligator are the most cold-tolerant and are found in the highest latitudes of any species. Both breed and feed successfully during warmer months, but have adapted to survive relatively cold conditions each winter – usually hibernating in specially-constructed burrows. Alligators and caimans are found almost exclusively in North, Central and South America, with the sole exception being the Chinese alligator restricted to eastern China. A handful of crocodiles are found in the Americas, but the majority are found throughout Africa, India and Asia. The gharial is found in India and adjacent countries. Click on the map to learn more about the distribution of crocodilians around the world. Most species have a relatively wide distribution, and typically occupy a variety of habitat types from swampy w
