African Unusual Animals: Nile Crocodile

Despite the name Nile Crocodile, this species reaches as far west as The Gambia and as far east as Tanzania, Somalia and even the west coast of Madagascar. This widely known crocodile throughout the continent is one of the main predators for many different types of animals. Even very swift prey can fall victim to this crocodile, and its bite is nearly impossible to loosen. It can even hold large prey underwater, waiting for it to drown. It is not uncommon for the crocodile to wait days or even weeks for the perfect moment to strike. Relatively social animals, the Nile Crocodile will be found basking on shorelines with others of its kind. There is a typically strict hierarchy in place with these crocodiles, with older, larger males being the alpha, where he gets the primary basking spots as well as prime access to food. This order of things is typically highly regarded and can result in fatalities if it’s not adhered to. Like other species of crocodiles, the Nile Crocodile lays eggs which are the guarded by the female. After hatching the young are protected for a period of time, but rely on their own hunting skills for their own sustenance and do not rely on the parents. The Nile Crocodile is responsible for hundreds of human deaths each year and while some areas of its habitat are declining due to human interference, typically this crocodile is of least concern and therefore conservation studies rate is as one of the crocodiles of least concern in terms of numbers.