Crocodilians use tools for hunting

2013/11/29 by Vladimir Dinets, J.C. Brueggen, John Brueggen · 2 citations
Earth and Planetary Sciences · Environmental Science · #Paleontology and Evolutionary Biology #Evolution and Paleontology Studies #Amphibian and Reptile Biology

paper · doi:10.1080/03949370.2013.858276

openalex publication_date 2013/11/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

Using objects as hunting lures is very rare in nature, having been observed in just a handful of species. We report the use of twigs and sticks as bird lures by two crocodilian species. At least one of them uses this method predominantly during the nest-building season of its prey. This is the first known case of a predator not just using objects as lures, but also taking into account the seasonality of prey behavior. It provides a surprising insight into previously unrecognized complexity of archosaurian behavior.

Cited by

• Apparent coordination and collaboration in cooperatively hunting crocodilians
• American alligator [wikipedia]

Related

• Apparent coordination and collaboration in cooperatively hunting crocodilians
• Insights into the Ecology and Evolutionary Success of Crocodilians Revealed through Bite-Force and Tooth-Pressure Experimentation
• Frugivory and seed dispersal by crocodilians: an overlooked form of saurochory?
• Critically endangered blonde capuchins fish for termites and use new techniques to accomplish the task
• Evolutionary structure and timing of major habitat shifts in Crocodylomorpha