Nile Crocodile

The Nile crocodile is found in rivers, lakes and swamps throughout Africa south of the Sahara and along the Nile Valley south of Egypt. There is also a small population in Madagascar. Dressed in a suit of bony plates and looking like an armoured tank, the Nile crocodile could be a creature from prehistoric times. With a long tailused to propel it at speed through the water and large jaws, lined with 60 or so pointed teeth, this reptile is a lethal hunting machine. Despite its name, the Nile crocodile is found in most of Africa. Living in lakes, rivers and swamps and sometimes along beaches and even 10 km out to sea – these crocodiles seldom venture far from water. Only if their pool dries up will they trek overland in search of a new aquatic home.

Crafty Predator

Crocodiles are meat eaters, taking fish, turtle and any mammal including zebra, young hippos, big cats and even people. Hatchlings eat small prey like frogs and insects. Adults use a range of hunting techniques, from rushing at prey to herding schools of fish into bays with their tails. They also lie in wait near the shore, with only eyes above water, waiting for animals to come to drink. The unwary fall victim to sudden lunge in which the crocodile seizes the preys head between its huge jaws, or fells it with a whip like blow of the tail. To feed, it rolls over in water with its prey until a piece of the animals flesh is torn off. Amazingly, the Nile crocodile can go without food for up to a year.

Part of bodies

• Eyes and nostrils on top of the head enable the crocodile to observe potential prey and breathe while its body is concealed under the water.
• Third eyelid helps to protect the eyes when underwater
• Feet and claws are for climbing river banks and digging nests
• Enormous tail acts as a powerful paddle when swimming
• Skin ranges from drab green to brownish or blackish green, providing it with excellent camouflage.
• Outer ears close to keep out water when the crocodile dives
• Large jaw opens very wide, allowing the crocodile to catch sizeable prey

Statistics

• status – common
• length – 3.5-6 m
• weight – up to 900kg
• habit – mostly aquatic
• sexual maturity – 8-12 days everage
• number of eggs – 50 everage; up to 100 recorded
• diet – fish and turtles, mammals from small monkeys and antelope to young big cats and humans
• lifespan – 70-100 years

Myth or fact

In spite of the powerful bite of this animal, the muscles that open a crocodiles jaws are, in fact, relatively weak. People who wrestle with crocodiles at tourist attractions may look as though they are strong, but they only need to hold the crocodiles mouth shut with their hands – the animals jaw muscle are not strong enough to force the mouth open.

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