| Osteolaemus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Dwarf crocodile | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Clade: | Archosauria |
| Order: | Crocodilia |
| Superfamily: | Crocodyloidea |
| Family: | Crocodylidae |
| Subfamily: | Osteolaeminae |
| Genus: | Osteolaemus Cope, 1861 |
| Type species | |
| Osteolaemus tetraspis Cope, 1861 | |
| Species | |
2, see text. | |
Osteolaemus is agenus ofcrocodiles.[1][2][3] They are small, secretive crocodiles that occur in wetlands of West and Middle Africa. They are commonly known as theAfrican dwarf crocodiles.[2] Unlike other crocodiles,Osteolaemus are strictlynocturnal.[3]
The following species are recognized as being valid.[1]
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Congo dwarf crocodile
| Osteolaemus osborni Schmidt, 1919 | Congo River basin of Central Africa | Size: Habitat: Diet: | |
| dwarf crocodile, African dwarf crocodile, broad-snouted crocodile, bony crocodile
| Osteolaemus tetraspis (Cope, 1861) | West Africa and Ogooué River basin of Central Africa | Size: Habitat: Diet: | VU |
Molecular data suggest thatOsteolaemus tetraspis consists of two lineages that would warrant recognition as distinct species.[2]
