There are so many wonderful and unique animals that call the Kruger National Park Home, from packs of giggling hunters that are ruthless and cunning to powerful and efficient predatory birds. The Kruger Park is also home to a variety of aquatic animals that come in all different shapes, sizes, temperaments and behaviours. These aquatic animals are very interesting and can definitely be an exciting experience to witness these animals in their natural habitats. Aquatic animals are rarely encountered and therefore makes them a very popular sighting when on a Kruger National Park Safari.
The Hippopotamus is a large and dangerous aquatic mammal that weighs up to 2.5 Tonnes. The Hippo is known to hold its breath underneath the water for up to 5 minutes and they walk on the bottom of the river bed. Hippos feed on grass along the side of the river and also feed on fish. Hippos have seriously powerful bite that is known to bite a crocodile in half. Hippos are rather dangerous when on land and can run quite fast. They have large powerful teeth that have been known to penetrate doors of vehicles.
One of the oldest animal species in the world with The Nile Crocodile being the largest reptile in the world. Nile Crocodiles can reach up to 5m long, with rare instances where they are up to 6m long. Crocodiles have an insanely powerful bite and generally means that you or anything that is trapped in its jaws are doomed. Ironically enough, a crocodile has very weak opening muscles in its mouth which means you can keep the crocodile’s mouth closed with your hands. Crocodiles are ambush predators that kill their prey by pulling them into the water and drowning them.
The Water Mongoose is a robust member of the mongoose family that gets its name from where the Mongoose lives. It can be found in areas close to rivers, lakes, dams and marshes. The Water Mongoose feeds on aquatic prey such as prawns, fish, frogs and crabs. These animals have adapted to living in aquatic environments. They have claws that are adapted for digging, making it easy for them to get food in the mud. Water Mongoose do not have webs between their toes which allows their toes to spread out, giving them easier grip on the mud.
The Cape Otter is a semi aquatic mammal that calls the rivers, dams, lakes and marshes of the Kruger National Park home. The Otter is a medium sized mammal that has a thick brown waterproof coat. The Otter actually has no webbing between their front toes but do have webbing that comes up half way to their hind toes. Otters feed on crabs, prawns, birds, insects, molluscs and small mammals. Otters are generally playful and intelligent animals that are very charming to watch while playing and interacting with each other. Otters live in coexisting groups of up to 8 members.
