Despite much debate concerning its classification, Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles are very interesting reptiles about whom little is known! With a sadly reduced number of animals in the wild and few kept as pets, the unique Osborn's Dwarf Crocodile is endangered.

Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles are nocturnal in the wild, and spend much of their day resting under the roots of trees or in holes in the ground that they construct themselves. They are often found in Africa's Ituri Forest or in the upper regions of the Congo River. Dwarf Crocodiles eat crustaceans, fish, mollusks, and various amphibians. In captivity, many owners comment that Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles are a bit more docile than many crocodilians. They have been known to be territorial. In the wild, they remain solitary outside of the breeding season and are fairly timid and retiring around people. Young Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles are adept climbers, and it is recommended to keep a firm lid on any enclosures in which they are kept! Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles seem to vary widely in temperament and are generally slow moving.

Although adult male Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles frequently grow to lengths between five and six feet, many may be smaller. Their backs and necks are armored in ossified, or bone-like, scales. There is a yellow pattern in evidence on the heads of Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles, and brown banding over the tails and bodies on juveniles. Adults are darker, especially on their sides and backs. They normally have between 60 and 64 teeth and a snout that turns downward. Because their eyes are placed high on their heads, Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles are able to see when partially submerged. There are clear membranes that slide down over their eyes, allowing them to see while underwater or catching prey!

Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles are native to Zaire and most of the Congo River's drainage basin. Endangered since 1974, commercial producers have found little incentive for breeding Dwarf Crocodiles because the hide brings only a small price and is used for lower quality products. This also means that the animals are protected largely from hide hunters. Local people hunt them for eggs and meat, although the largest threat to the Osborn's Dwarf Crocodile is habitat loss. They are also trapped for the pet trade. There has been much debate concerning Osborn's Dwarf Crocodile, and its genus has been changed in recent years. It was once believed to be the same species as the West African Dwarf Crocodile, but is now believed to be a subspecies. There is some continuing debate as to whether or not it is an entirely different species altogether.

Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles by adulthood are often very territorial and are best kept alone. A Dwarf Crocodile can actually kill other crocodilians larger than itself when placed in with them. They may not bask as much as some other crocodile species do.

In the wild, nesting season occurs in the wet season. Osborn's Dwarf Crocodiles generally make nests out of plants. They lay 10 to 20 eggs in the nest, which will incubate for between 87 and 126 days. During incubation and for a short time after hatching, the female Osborn's Dwarf Crocodile will guard her nest and young.