Nile Crocodile

Nile Crocodile

Classification 

Kindom : Animalia

Phylum : Chordata 

Class : Reptilia

Order : Crocodilia

Family : Crocodylidae

Genus : Crocodylus

Species : Crocodylus niloticus

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is an African crocodile, the largest freshwater predator in Africa, and may be considered the second largest extant reptile in the world, after the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). The Nile crocodile is quite widespread throughout Sub-Sharan Africa, occurring mostly in the central, eastern, and southern regions of the continent and lives in different types of aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers and marshlands. Although capable of living in saline environments, this species is rarely found in saltwater, but occasionally inhabits deltas and brackish lakes. The range of this species once stretched northward throughout the Nile, as far north as the Nile delta. On average, the adult male Nile crocodile is between 3.5 and 5 m in length and weighs 225 to 750 kg. However, specimens exceeding 6 m in length and weighing up to 1,100 kg have been recorded. They have thick scaly skin that is heavily armored.

The Nile crocodile is an opportunistic apex predator and a very aggressive species of crocodile that is capable of taking almost any animal within its range. They are generalists, taking a variety of prey. Their diet consists mostly of different species of fish, reptiles, birds and mammals. The Nile crocodile is an ambush predator that can wait for hours, days and even weeks for the suitable moment to attack. They are agile predator 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 an extremely powerful bite that is unique among all animals and sharp conical teeth that sink into flesh allowing for a grip that is almost impossible to loosen. They can apply high levels of force for extended periods of time, a great advantage for holding down large prey underwater to drown.

Nile crocodiles are relatively social crocodiles. They share basking spots and large food sources, such as schools of fish and big carcasses. There is a strict hierarchy, which is determined by size. Large, old males are at the top of this hierarchy and have primary 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.

Life Cycle 

Like most other reptiles, Nile crocodiles lay eggs. Females lay their eggs about one to two months after mating. In the laying season, the female will digs a hole a few meters from the bank and up to 500 mm (20 in) deep and lays on average between 25 and 80 eggs. The eggs will be protected by the female until hatching. The incubation period of the eggs is about 90 days. After 90 days the eggs will hatch. The hatchlings start to make a high-pitched chirping noise before hatching, which is the signal for the mother to rip open the nest.The mother crocodile may pick up the eggs in her mouth, and roll them between their tongue and the upper palate to help crack the shell and release her offspring. Once the eggs hatch, the female may lead the hatchlings to water. 

Hatchling Nile crocodiles are between 280 and 300 mm long at first and weigh around 70 g . The hatchlings grow approximately that length each year for the first several years. After the age of 12 years, nile crocodile reach sexual maturity and ready to mating. The lifespan of nile crocodile is about 70 until 100 years.

Uniqueness

• The second largest extant reptile in the world
• Have an extremely powerful bite and sharp conical teeth that sink into flesh allowing for a grip that is almost impossible to loosen