Crocodile Partially Submerged in River, Costa Rica - stock photo

A crocodile rests with its eyes above the surface of a muddy river, nearly indistinguishable from the water around it. The animal’s rugged scales and low posture make it perfectly adapted for ambush hunting in aquatic environments. Crocodiles have evolved to remain almost entirely motionless for extended periods, conserving energy while remaining ready to strike. Their upward-facing eyes and nostrils allow them to breathe and observe without revealing their body. As apex predators, crocodiles are essential to freshwater ecosystem regulation—controlling prey populations and maintaining a balanced food web. The survival of this ancient reptile is closely tied to the health of wetlands and tropical river systems, many of which are under threat from human activity.