Nile crocodiles

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is Africa's largest reptile; large males can approach 5 metres in length. Because its eyes, ears and nostrils sit on top of its head, it can see, hear and breathe while almost its whole body is underwater.

Where does it live?

It lives across much of Africa south of the Sahara, in rivers, lakes, marshes and reservoirs. It is also found in parts of Madagascar.

What does it eat?

It is a carnivore. Young crocodiles eat insects, frogs and small fish. Adults can hunt fish, birds and large mammals such as antelopes and zebras that come to drink. It approaches unseen in the water and seizes prey with a sudden lunge.

Behaviour and social life

Crocodiles take their body heat from their surroundings, so they spend part of the day basking on the bank and part cooling off in the water. Lying on the bank with the mouth open also helps regulate body temperature. Large males hold territories.

Young

The female buries her eggs in a sandy nest near the water and stays close by to guard it. Nest temperature influences the sex of the hatchlings. When ready to hatch, the young call out; the mother opens the nest and may carry the hatchlings to the water in her mouth.

Conservation status

The Nile crocodile is listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Heavy hunting for skins in the 20th century greatly reduced its numbers, but protection has allowed populations to recover in many areas. Habitat loss and conflict with people are still problems in some regions.

Fun facts

• Crocodiles belong to the reptile group most closely related to living birds.
• Stones thought to aid digestion may be found in their stomachs.
• Crocodiles are known to replace their teeth throughout life.