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Which is the largest reptile?

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Quick Answer

The saltwater crocodile. Big males can grow beyond 6 metres and weigh around a tonne.

The Full Story

The saltwater crocodile is the largest living reptile on Earth. Adult males commonly reach 4 to 5 metres, and exceptional individuals exceed 6 metres and weigh around 1,000 kilograms. The largest ever measured in captivity was Lolong, captured in the Philippines in 2011, who was 6.17 metres long. Saltwater crocodiles live from eastern India through Southeast Asia to northern Australia, and they can travel long distances out at sea. In a 2012 study they recorded the strongest bite force ever measured in a living animal, about 16,000 newtons.

Key Facts

1.Females are much smaller than males, usually around 3 metres.
2.Saltwater crocodiles can live for more than 70 years.
3.Despite the name, they also live in rivers, estuaries and freshwater swamps.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"A tonne of armour and teeth — the world’s largest reptile"

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