Species · GBIF taxon 2441341
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticusAlso known as Common Crocodile, African Crocodile, Black Crocodile
Nile crocodiles are formidable apex predators of Africa's waterways, capable of reaching lengths of up to six meters. These highly social reptiles coordinate group hunts to corral migrating fish, yet they display surprisingly tender maternal care by carrying their hatchlings to the water inside their massive jaws. During dry seasons, they dig deep riverbank burrows to aestivate, waiting out the extreme heat until the seasonal rains return.
Apex PredatorSemi-aquaticReptile
Licensed referenceDewet / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Carnivorous, feeding on fish, birds, mammals, and other reptiles
- family
- Crocodylidae
- threats
- Habitat destruction, water pollution, hunting for leather, and human-wildlife conflict
- life Span
- 70 to 100 years
LC
Extremely dangerous apex predator; maintain a safe distance of at least 50 meters from the water's edge.
Capable of launching lightning-fast ambush attacks from beneath the water surface, dragging prey under to drown.
Never approach, feed, or attempt to handle; back away immediately if one is spotted on land or near the shore.- Keep Distance: Never approach the water's edge in known crocodile habitats.
- Avoid Nighttime Water: Do not swim, wade, or camp near water after dark when they are most active.
- Watch for Slides: Look for smooth, muddy slides on riverbanks indicating active crocodile entry points.