The males are usually bigger than the females. Philippine Crocodile Facts . Where most reptiles lay their eggs and move on, mother and father Nile crocs ferociously guard their nests until the eggs hatch, and they will often roll the eggs gently in their mouths to help hatching babies emerge. The smallest crocodile is the dwarf crocodile. The species possess a … It grows to about 5.6 feet (1.7 meters) in length and weighs 13 to 15 pounds (6 to 7 kilograms). Nile crocodile is a species of African crocodile; that is the largest freshwater predator in Africa and may be considered the second largest extant reptile and crocodilian in the world after the saltwater crocodile. Average sizes, though, are more in the range of 16 feet and 500 pounds. CITES lists the Nile crocodile under Appendix I (threatened with extinction) throughout most of its range. After seizing its catch, the crocodile drowns it by holding it under water, and then twists off chunks of flesh by spinning its own body in the water while holding on to the prey. Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. The diet of the Nile crocodile is mainly fish, but it will attack almost anything unfortunate enough to cross its path, including zebras, small hippos, porcupines, birds, and other crocodiles. More in World Facts. The Nile crocodile is native to Africa. Archeologists have found mummified crocodiles and crocodile eggs in Egyptian tombs. Crocodiles are apex predators that hunt animals up to twice their size. They can stay under the water for about 30 minutes without the need for any are. 5 Fascinating Facts About the Nile Crocodile. No matter where they attack prey, this and other crocodilians take practically all of their food by ambush, needing to grab their prey in a matter of seconds to succeed… All rights reserved. Males may battle other males for breeding rights. Interesting Facts: One of three existing species of African crocodiles. She may use her mouth to help her offspring hatch. The main reason for the attacks is the proximity of human settlements and the Nile crocodile habitat. Despite her care, only about 10% of the eggs survive to hatching and 1% of hatchlings reach maturity. Crocodiles are protected in part of their range and are raised in captivity. The hide is rough and scaled. Nests are often close enough to almost touch each other More common in the past The Nile crocodile preys on large mammals and birds which come to the water’s edge to drink. Africa's largest crocodilian can reach a maximum size of about 20 feet and can weigh up to 1,650 pounds. Nile crocodiles are most widespread in Uganda and you find them in and out of the parks. 17. And with good reason. Crocs can live in a number of places like lakes, rivers, fresh water bodies, salt water, brackish water … The overall estimated population of the Nile crocodile varies from 250,000 to 500,000 individuals. They dig a hole about 1 1/2 feet deep to lay their eggs in, a few feet from the water. Nile crocodiles are most widespread in Uganda and you find them in and out of the parks. Males are about 30% larger than females. The female protects the nest from danger at all times. The Nile crocodile is native to Africa. Interesting Facts: One of three existing species of African crocodiles. Habitat and Distribution. Studies indicate planned land management and public education could reduce human-crocodile conflict. Nile crocodiles live in Africa and Madagascar. Nile crocodile is a species of African crocodile; that is the largest freshwater predator in Africa and may be considered the second largest extant reptile and crocodilian in the world after the saltwater crocodile. Nile crocodiles have a dark bronze colouration above, with black spots on the back and a dirty purple on the belly. What Is The Difference Between A Crocodile And An Alligator? Young crocodiles feed upon fish, frogs, insects and reptiles. They live throughout sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile Basin, and Madagascar in rivers, freshwater marshes, and mangrove swamps. https://www.thoughtco.com/nile-crocodile-4691790 (accessed February 10, 2021). Crocodile Facts - Animals of the World. And with good reason. Since the time human civilization and habitation evolved, the mention of this river can be found. Pooley, A. C. 1974a. Mature males breed every year, while females only breed once every two to three years. Nile Crocodile Facts. Nile crocodiles are … The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is one of the largest crocodiles living today—second only to saltwater crocodile.It is fairly common in the sub-Saharan Africa including central and eastern Africa. Encyclopedia.com gives you the ability to cite reference entries and articles according to common styles from the Modern Language Association (MLA), The Chicago Manual of Style, and the American Psychological Association (APA). In early historic times it ranged north to the Nile delta and the Mediterranean coast. Like all crocodiles, the Nile crocodile is a quadruped with four short, splayed legs, a long, powerful tail, a scaly hide with rows of oss… The Nile crocodile is one of four species of crocodile found in Africa, the others being the slender-snouted crocodile, West African crocodile, and dwarf crocodile. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a large freshwater African reptile. This huge reptile, which can grow to lengths of over 6 meters, is capable of taking down pretty much any animal that ventures too close to its watery domain. Males attract females by making noises, slapping their snouts in water, and blowing water out through their noses. Crocodiles have the most acidic stomach of any vertebrate. The eyes of these species are green, and they are quadruped animals with four short, sturdy legs. The majority of their diet is fish but adults will also eat antelope, ostrich, baboon, zebra and buffalo. Nesting can occur at any time of year, but tends to coincide with the dry season. It will also scavenge carrion, and can eat up to half its body weight at a feeding. Nile Crocodile Facts all you need to know about Nile Crocodiles Pictures, Video and lots of Information learn all their is to know about the magnificent wildlife that surrounds us. So grab your passport, suncream and shades, and check out our fascinating Nile river facts…. There are many different types of crocodiles in the Everglades, but there is one species of crocodile that is invasive: The Nile Crocodile. It is one of the huge Reptiles and one of the most feared predators in the whole of Africa. Nile Crocodile Facts: The eyes, ears, and nostrils of Nile crocodiles are situated at the top of their head so that they can be camouflaged underwater. The Nile crocodile faced extinction in the 1960s. It's … How does a baby crocodile get to water? We’re off on an exciting adventure to northeast Africa to learn about one of the world’s most famous rivers – and you’re coming with us! Size tends to play the biggest role for the Nile Crocodile when it comes to them and mating. It lives in freshwater marshes, swamps, lakes, streams, and rivers of sub-Saharan Africa, the Nile basin, and Madagascar. It is considered the second largest reptile in the world, second only to the saltwater crocodile. After they have hatched, she may carry them in her mouth to water. The Nile crocodile’s jaws deliver one of the most forceful bites in the animal kingdom, and … The Nile crocodile is among-st Africa’s most feared predators. The Nile crocodile spends most of the day partially exposed in shallow water or basking on land. There are many different types of crocodiles in the Everglades, but there is one species of crocodile that is invasive: The Nile Crocodile. Although every river is relevant for the individuals and the wildlife habitat living in proximity, While slow in the water, crocodiles are fast on land over short distances. In the wild, they have a reputation as man-eaters. The Nile crocodile is quite widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, occurring mostly in the eastern, central, and southern regions of the continent. Nile Crocodiles usually breed once a year in South Africa. They inhabit freshwater marshes, rivers, lakes and mangrove swamps. It has one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom and can take down a grown human being with ease. The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) has the strongest bite of all living animals. Th e Everglades isn’t just home to alligators, it’s home to crocodiles, as well. Related. Crocs have between 60 and 110 teeth; They can live between 70 and 100 years; The saltwater crocodile is the largest reptile on Earth; Types of Crocodiles Experts say that a crocodile’s bite exerts a force that is eight times greater than that of the fearsome Great White. On an island in Lake Rudolph, Kenya, Nile Crocodile females covered eggs with a mixture of soil and grass (Modha 1967) Female time at nest. They can grow up to 20 ft (6.1 m) in length and can weigh up to 1,500 lb (680 kg). Crocodile Facts for Kids. Freshwater Crocodile Facts . ThoughtCo, Oct. 30, 2020, thoughtco.com/nile-crocodile-4691790. 2. Their bite can produce up to 5,000 pounds per square inch. 18. The female Nile Crocodile mates around November through December. The Nile Crocodile has a reputation of being a man-eater. The latin name for Nile Crocodile is Crocodylus niloticus. Today, the IUCN classifies the species' conservation status as "least concern." The world’s largest and most widely dispersed crocodile species is the estuarine crocodile. The second largest of allcrocodilians, the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a supremely adapted aquatic predator, with a streamlined body, a long, powerful tail, webbed hind feet, and long, powerful jaws, ideally suited for grabbing and holding onto prey. Dwarf Crocodile Facts . Facts About Nile Crocodile – Freshwater Hunter. The name is a reference to the rough skin of the crocodiles. The proximity of much of its habitat to people means run-ins are frequent. Photograph by Joel Sartore, National Geographic Photo Ark, A nile crocodile photographed at Saint Augustine Alligator Farm in Florida, https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/n/nile-crocodile.html. The saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is estimated to be the largest living species of crocodile. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, October 30). : The most, new, latest, shocking, weird, scary, funny, fascinating, interesting and amazing things | facts in the world. There are estimates that Nile Crocodiles kill up to 200 people a year in Africa. Average size ranges between 10 and 20 feet in length and anywhere from 300 to 1,650 pounds in weight. Nile Crocodile Facts . This reptile is a highly adapted aquatic predator. Like other crocodile species, it is lethargic and spends long hours basking. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Nile Crocodile Facts." They lay 40-60 eggs. Nile crocodiles have thick, armored skin that is dark bronze with black stripes and spots on the back, greenish-yellow side stripes, and yellow scales on the belly. Fun Facts for Kids The word "crocodile" comes from the Ancient Greek κροκόδιλος (crocodilos), "lizard", used in the phrase ho krokódilos tou potamoú, "the lizard of the (Nile) river". It is as well referred to as crocodiles Niloticus. The Nile crocodile is Africa’s largest, and most widely distributed, crocodile. Researchers estimate 250,000 to 500,000 individuals live in the wild. ABOUT US. ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience and for our. They also feed on carcasses, other crocodiles (including members of their own species), and sometimes fruit. Archeologists have found mummified crocodiles and crocodile eggs in Egyptian tombs. In the water, this species is an agile and rapid hunter relying on both movement and pressure sensors to catch any prey unfortunate enough to present itself inside or near the waterfront. Crocodiles are ambush predators that wait for prey to come within range, lunge at the target, and sink their teeth into it to drag it into water to drown, die from sudden thrashing movements, or be torn apart with help from other crocodiles. Near the end of the incubation period, the young make high-pitched chirps to alert the female to dig out the eggs. Out of water, however, the Nile crocodile can only rely on its limbs, as it gallopson solid ground, to chase prey. Although Nile crocodiles resemble armored tanks with huge, teeth-filled mouths, these reptiles are unusually attentive parents. While she guards her offspring for up to two years, they hunt their own food immediately after hatching. There are estimates that Nile Crocodiles kill up to 200 people a year in Africa. The KidsAnimalsFacts.com is designed specifically for kids so that they get to know some of the most interesting & amazing facts about animals. The World's Most Amazing Waterfalls. They are carnivores (meat eaters) that use their strong jaws and legs to catch large prey like antelope and zebras. St Lucia also happens to have the largest free roaming Hippo Population in South Africa estimated at 800 animals. And the Nile crocodile is no different. St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal Has a Nile Crocodile Population of Approxiamately 1200 Animals. First, they are able to hold their breath for a couple of hours without any damage to the body or brain. They can ‘belly run’ up to 17 kilometers per … Hunted close to extinction in the 1940s through the 1960s, local and international protections have helped them rebound in most areas. It lives in freshwater marshes, … This allows them to dissolve and digest bones, hooves and horns or shells from their prey. The Nile crocodile, also known as the common crocodile, is a crocodilia species native to the freshwater habitats of 26 African countries living in The Nile crocodile is among the animals which human being rarely includes on the menu and these are the five fascinating Facts about Nile crocodile; Pooley, A. C. 1974b. The Nile crocodile Facts. Nile Crocodile Facts and Information The Nile crocodile is estimated to kill hundreds, if not thousands of people a year along the Nile River. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Nile Crocodile Facts." Nile Crocodile Facts. The Nile crocodile eats carcasses that pollute water and controls predatory fish that could overeat smaller fish used as food by many other species. Gallo Images-Roger De La Harpe / Getty Images. It’s a common myth that crocodiles can run fast on land. It is responsible for the most deaths from any animal as a predator preying on humans, yet crocodiles serve an important ecological function. Related. Nile crocodiles can live to be over 40 years old. Nile Crocodile Facts The Nile crocodile ( Crocodylus niloticus ) is a large freshwater African reptile. It sometimes attacks humans, as does the saltwater crocodile (C. porosus), found on islands and in straits from South East Asia to Australia and Melanesia. The Nile crocodile is a carnivore. Females lay eggs a month or two after breeding. Nile Crocodile Facts: Introduction. The Nile crocodile is not just found in the Nile … The second largest of allcrocodilians, the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is a supremely adapted aquatic predator, with a streamlined body, a long, powerful tail, webbed hind feet, and long, powerful jaws, ideally suited for grabbing and holding onto prey. The West African crocodile population number is unavailable at present from open sources and its conservation status has not been evaluated. It takes about 80-90 days for the eggs to hatch. 1) Found in northeast Africa, the Nile has long been recognised as the longest river in the world – stretching a massive 6,695km! The Nile crocodile has a somewhat deserved reputation as a vicious man-eater. The 10 Largest Sports Stadiums In Europe. The Largest Stadiums In Africa. Nile Crocodile Facts for Kids The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is one of the largest crocodiles living today—second only to saltwater crocodile. The Nile Crocodile has a reputation of being a man-eater. They may have a potential lifespan of 70 to 100 years in the wild. Crocodiles have the strongest bite in the animal kingdom. A University of Florida herpetologist said he isn’t sure how t he Nile crocodile got into the Everglades. It is the second-largest crocodile in the world and the largest in Africa. Nile crocodile is one of the three crocodile species we have in Africa. Lammergeyer (Pietermaritzberg) 3:43-45. Crocodiles have the strongest bite in the animal kingdom. Nile Crocodile. The eyes of these species are green, and they are quadruped animals with four short, sturdy legs. The flanks, which are yellowish-green in colour, have dark patches arranged in oblique stripes. At night, crocodiles may leave the water and ambush prey on land. The Nile crocodile is one of the largest crocodilian species. 30 Enchanting Facts About the River Nile That Will Stir Your Curiosity The river Nile is one of the ancient rivers of the world. Nile crocodiles are from Africa. Crocodiles may bask with open mouths to prevent overheating or as a threat display for other crocodiles. Field biologists attribute the high number of attacks to a general lack of caution around crocodile-occupied areas. As you might expect, the Nile River is full of Nile crocodiles. Does the Nile River have crocodiles? ThoughtCo. The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is most endangered crocodile species in the wild. 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