The Nile crocodile is Africa's largest freshwater predator, a heavily armoured reptile reaching around 5 m long. It lurks in the Kruger's rivers and dams, ambushing prey at the water's edge, and is a devoted parent that guards its nest and carries its hatchlings to the water. It is best watched from a safe distance.
Crocodile
Name
Crocodile [Crocodylinae]
Appearance
It is a large lizard-shaped animal with four short legs and a strong muscular tail. The back is tough and protected by scales. Juveniles are usually dark olive to brown with dark rings on the body and tail. Adults are fainted in color with darker rings. Crocodiles can reach an average length of 5 meters and has an average weight of 220-550 kg.
Diet
Juveniles have t eat small insects and aquatic animals such as small carp fish. Adults have a wider variety of prey such as buffalo, big cats and small hippos.
Distribution
Crocodiles can be found in a lot of different places such as South Africa, Kenya, Mozambique, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Namibia, Somalia, Swaziland, Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Breeding
Crocodiles lay their eggs close to the water in a nest dug by the female which is dug by the females and the nests are usually 50cm deep. It takes about 70-100 days for the eggs to hatch, females will stay near their nests during this time. When the time comes for the crocodilians to hatch the females and sometimes males will help crack open the egg and females will carry their young to the water and take care of them.
Behaviour
Crocodiles are very socializing animals but when they feel threatened they will stand their ground to protect themselves and females will protect their young ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do crocodiles get in the Kruger?
Nile crocodiles reach an average length of around 5 m and can weigh between roughly 220 and 550 kg. Juveniles are dark olive to brown with dark rings on the body and tail; adults fade to a paler colour with darker banding. They are protected by tough, scaly, armour-like skin.
What do crocodiles eat?
Young crocodiles start on small insects and aquatic animals such as small fish. As they grow, their diet broadens dramatically, and large adults can ambush big prey including buffalo, antelope, big cats and even young hippos that come to the water's edge to drink.
Where can you see crocodiles in the Kruger?
Crocodiles live in the Kruger's permanent rivers, dams and larger waterholes; the Crocodile River on the park's southern boundary is named for them. Look for them basking on sandbanks and riverbanks, or floating almost motionless with only their eyes and nostrils showing above the surface.
How do crocodiles care for their young?
Crocodiles are surprisingly attentive parents. The female digs a nest hole about 50 cm deep near the water and lays her eggs, then guards them for the 70 to 100 days until they hatch. When the young call, the parents help crack the eggs open and gently carry the hatchlings to the water.
