The biggest reptile is around 6 times larger than an average human being

Sadly, many of these giants face threats from habitat destruction, climate change, poaching, and pollution. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring their survival.

Here are 7 of the biggest reptiles in the world, their incredible adaptations, and why they matter. For context, the height of an average human being is 1.7 m for men, and 1.6 m for women.

1. Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) – The Largest Living Reptile

Size: Up to 23 feet (7 meters) long and over 2,200 pounds (1,000 kg)
Habitat: Southeast Asia, Australia, and surrounding regions

The saltwater crocodile, also known as the “salty,” holds the title for the largest living reptile. These apex predators lurk in rivers, estuaries, and coastal waters, waiting to ambush prey with their powerful jaws. They are incredibly strong swimmers, capable of traveling vast distances across the ocean. Some of the largest recorded “salties” have reached over 2,600 pounds (1,180 kg)!

2. Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) – Africa’s Giant Predator

Size: Up to 20 feet (6 meters) long and over 1,600 pounds (725 kg)
Habitat: Sub-Saharan Africa

The Nile crocodile is Africa’s largest reptile and a top predator in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Known for their powerful bite—one of the strongest in the animal kingdom—these crocodiles are opportunistic hunters, taking down everything from fish to large mammals like zebras and even buffalo.

While the green anaconda is heavier, the reticulated python holds the record for the longest snake in the world (Source: Pexels)

3. Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus) – The Heaviest Snake in the World

Size: Up to 30 feet (9 meters) long and weighing over 500 pounds (227 kg)
Habitat: South America (Amazon Rainforest, swamps, and rivers)

The green anaconda is the heaviest snake on Earth, capable of swallowing large prey such as deer, caimans, and even jaguars. Unlike venomous snakes, anacondas use constriction to suffocate their prey before swallowing them whole. These semi-aquatic giants are incredibly strong and well-adapted to their swampy environments.

4. Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus) – The Longest Snake

Size: Over 33 feet (10 meters) long
Habitat: Southeast Asia

While the green anaconda is heavier, the reticulated python holds the record for the longest snake in the world. These powerful constrictors can grow over 33 feet, making them capable of taking down large mammals. They are expert climbers and swimmers, often found in dense forests, swamps, and even near human settlements.

The average height of a reticulated python is around 6 times the size of an average human being’s.

5. Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) – The Largest Turtle

Size: Up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) long and over 2,000 pounds (900 kg)
Habitat: Worldwide in oceans, from tropical to temperate waters

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest turtle on Earth, with a unique leathery shell instead of a hard one. These ancient mariners travel thousands of miles across the ocean, feeding primarily on jellyfish. Sadly, plastic pollution and climate change threaten their survival.

6. Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) – The Biggest Lizard

Size: Up to 10 feet (3 meters) long and over 150 pounds (70 kg)
Habitat: Indonesia (Komodo, Rinca, Flores, and nearby islands)

The Komodo dragon is the largest living lizard and a formidable predator. It hunts deer, water buffalo, and even smaller Komodo dragons, using venomous saliva to weaken prey. These prehistoric-looking reptiles are highly intelligent and have been known to recognize individual humans.

7. Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea) – The Heaviest Land Tortoise

Size: Up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and over 550 pounds (250 kg)
Habitat: Aldabra Atoll (Seychelles)

The Aldabra giant tortoise is one of the longest-living reptiles, with some individuals exceeding 150 years. These slow-moving herbivores roam the islands of Seychelles, shaping the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and grazing on vegetation.