Re: Given an ideal climate, how big would reptiles get if they lived, say, a

All animals age, and as they do, they eventually become slower and less 
competitive amongst their peers - irrespective of climate.

I've worked with some very large (and old!) crocodiles. One croc I worked 
with was the "boss of the river" - he would have been about 17 ft long and 
at least 70 years old. But he was slightly blind in one eye and I think 
that eventually, this may handicap him somewhat. He could lose a limb to a 
rival in a fight and then be further disadvantaged. A younger, less 
damaged individual could then move in on his territory and out compete 
him; even killing him in a fight.

In the river I worked in, there was a crocodile sighted (not by me) that 
was estimated at 25ft long! A similar crocodile in the same section of 
river was seen twenty years before at about 18ft long; taking a bloated 
buffalo carcass straight to the bottom. If it was the same animal, it 
could be nearly 100 years old.

I think that with the removal of aggressive peers and with an easy supply 
of food, it could be possible for crocodiles to grow to 25-30 foot long. I 
can't see a crocodile living for 1000 years, but I can see a crocodile 
living for 100 years. We have only been holding crocodiles in captivity 
for the past 20 years or so, so only time will tell.

Hope this helps.

Alastair Lyon