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Nile crocodile – Crocodylus niloticus
Nile crocodile – Crocodylus niloticus
The Nile crocodile is a crocodilian of the Crocodylidae family. It is present in sub-Saharan Africa.
This is one of the largest of its kind. In adulthood, it measures an average of 4 meters long. Its weight varies between 200 and 500 kg. It is very stout. Gray like the rest of its body, its four small sturdy legs allow it to move quickly. The back legs are webbed. It can run up to 17 km/h and at a steady pace over a long distance. It has a long tail that helps it to move in the water.
Two characteristics can be attributed to the Nile crocodile:
- A protective veil isolates its eyes and throat and oral cavity are clearly compartmentalized.
- Its snout in the shape of a triangle, contains teeth that can be renewed. The fourth mandibular tooth is visible when it closes its mouth.
The Nile crocodile lives in rivers, marshes, lakes and lagoons. Around these water points, it is common to see the animal opened its mouth to stabilize its body temperature. This reptile is a very large predator. Adults targeting amphibians, fish, reptiles and sometimes antelopes and wildebeest. To trap, it remains static and a small part of its head, ears and nostrils appear. Once its prey within range, it seizes fiercely and immersed to cause drowning. This is a very strong animal because it can live without food for a year.
The reproductive organs of the Nile crocodile mature to 8 years. Two months after mating, the female buried its hundred eggs under a pile of plants or in the sand. 95% of the brood will be devoured by predators. Small survivors become independent after two years. Its longevity is 70 years. It is a dreaded animal. Therefore, it has been a relentless hunt.
The species is not endangered, but the population decreases more and more because of the drought in Africa. The most famous Nile crocodile Gustave, measuring 7 meters and weighing more than a ton. This behemoth lives in Burundian waters and has to its credit more than 300 victims.
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