Nile Crocodile

Lore & Background

The binomial name Crocodylus niloticus is derived from the Greek κρόκη, kroke ("pebble"), δρῖλος, drilos ("worm"), referring to its rough skin; and niloticus, meaning "from the Nile River". The Nile crocodile is called timsah al-nil in Arabic, mamba in Swahili, yaxaas in Somali, garwe in Shona, ngwenya in Ndebele, ngwena in Venda, kwena in Sotho and Tswana, and tanin ha-yeor in Hebrew. It also sometimes referred to as the African crocodile, Ethiopian crocodile, and common crocodile.

In Their Own Story

The sun hung low over the Okavango Delta, casting long, golden shadows across the still water. A ripple disturbed the surface, barely noticeable against the reeds, but the silence of the riverbank knew better. Beneath the murky shallows, eyes like polished obsidian broke the surface tension, unblinking and patient. The air grew heavy with the scent of damp earth and prey. Suddenly, without a sound, a massive shape surged upward, jaws snapping shut on a grazing antelope before it could even scream. The water churned briefly, settling back into glass-like calm as the ancient hunter returned to the shadows, leaving only ripples to mark where life had just ended.

Reader's Guide

Generally, the adult male Nile crocodile is between 3.5 and 5 m (11 ft 6 in and 16 ft 5 in) in length and weighs 225 to 750 kg (496 to 1,653 lb). However, specimens exceeding 6.1 m (20 ft) in length and 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) in weight have been recorded. It is the largest predator in Africa, and may be considered the second-largest extant reptile in the world, after the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Size is sexually dimorphic, with females usually about 30% smaller than males. The crocodile has thick, scaly, heavily armoured skin. Nile crocodiles are opportunistic apex predators, being capable of taking on almost any animal within their range. They are generalists, taking a variety of prey, with a diet consisting mostly of different species of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. As ambush predators, they can wait for hours, days, and even weeks for the suitable moment to attack. They are agile predators and wait for the opportunity for a prey item to come well within attack range. Even swift prey are not immune to attack. Like other crocodiles, Nile crocodiles have a powerful bite that is unique among all animals, and sharp, conical teeth that sink into flesh, allowing a grip that is almost impossible to loosen. They can apply high force for extended periods of time, a great advantage for holding down large prey underwater to drown. Nile crocodiles are relatively social amongst themselves. They share basking spots and large food sources, such as schools of fish and big carcasses. Their strict hierarchy is determined by size. Large, old males are at the top of this hierarchy and have first access to food and the best basking spots. Crocodiles tend to respect this order; when it is infringed, the results are often violent and sometimes fatal. Like most other reptiles, Nile crocodiles lay eggs; these are guarded by the females but also males, making the Nile crocodiles one of few reptile species whose males contribute to parental care. The hatchlings are also protected for a period of time, but hunt by themselves and are not fed by the parents. The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous species of crocodile and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths every year. It is common and is not endangered, despite some regional declines or extirpations in the Maghreb.

Did You Know?

• Adult male Nile crocodiles usually range from 3.5 to 5 m in length, but specimens exceeding 6.1 m have been recorded.
• Nile crocodiles are generalists, with a diet consisting mostly of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
• They are one of few reptile species where males contribute to parental care, guarding eggs and protecting hatchlings.
• Lake Turkana in Kenya has one of the largest undisturbed Nile crocodile populations.