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Species Spotlight
on
Crocodylus niloticus
A.K.A Nile Crocodile
DESCRIPTION / COLORATION Long, muscular flattened tail - ideal for swimming; Eyes, ears, and nostrils located along the top of the head - so that the animal may remain totally aware of its environment in the water; Third eyelid - to protect the eye when underwater; Muscles that close the nostrils - for use when underwater; Large head; Long snout; Sharp conical teeth some of which can be seen when the mouth is shut;
SIZE The largest species of crocodile in Africa: up to 20 feet in length; up to 1,600 pounds.
HOME Throughout Africa & Madagascar with the exceptions of the Sahara desert and the cooler areas of Northern Africa.
HABITAT These animals are found near rivers, lakes, and water holes.
LIFESTYLE Nile Crocodiles migrate in accordance with water level changes and food sources. They are found in solitaire or within small groups.
PREDATORS Crocodile eggs are eaten by Nile Monitors, Baboons, and Hyenas. Newly hatched crocodiles often fall prey to other crocodiles, birds, turtles, and fish. 98% of hatched crocodiles will become someone's dinner before they are a year old.
FOOD Wildebeest, gazelle, buffalo, wild dogs, other crocodiles, birds, carrion, turtles, antelope, young giraffes, young hippopotamuses, hyenas, and lions. It has also been known to eat humans. Crocodile teeth are not designed for chewing, so very often a crocodile will hide it's newly killed dinner under a log in the water until it begins to rot. As the food begins to rot, it becomes more easily digestible for the crocodile. The entire body of the prey animal is eaten including hooves, bones, nails, and hair. The crocodile has an unusually strong stomach and will also sallow rocks to help it digest it's food.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES The Nile Crocodile lies in the water waiting for it's prey to come for a drink. After the crocodile has efficiently seized the prey, it takes it under the water until it drowns.
BREEDING Mating usually takes place in the dry season. Males stakeout and hold territories by roaring, regular patrols, and occasionally fighting. Acquiring and holding a territory with prime basking and nesting sites is essential in attracting females. Mating takes place in the water. Several months later, 30 to 70 eggs are laid. Nests for the eggs are dug in the sand near the water. The incubation temperature determines the sex of the hatchlings ( 85°F = female; 95°F = male ). The incubation period is approximately 90 days. Mother Nile Crocodiles may be the best herpetological mothers: They guard their eggs until they are ready to hatch. When they begin hatching, the mother crocodile digs out the nest and even helps crack open the eggs when necessary. After the hatchlings have emerged from their eggs, she carries them to the water. She will guard her young for a few more weeks until they decide to go off on their own.
LIFE SPAN up to 100 years.
SPECIAL CONCERNS The Nile Crocodile is the most studied of all the genus Crocodylus. This animal is also in danger of extinction.
INTERESTING FACTS Crocodiles are closely related to dinosaurs.
For more info see:
Crocodile vs. Alligator The differences between crocodiles and alligators
Other Sites:
Crocodylus niloticus CROCODILIANS Natural History & Conservation Created by Adam Britton
Crocodylus niloticus Nile Crocodile Written by Andrew M. Comb - Bio108 student (96) University of Michigan
