Life Along African Waterways
The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) occurs across much of sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. It uses rivers, lakes, marshes and other wetlands, and may also occur in brackish water in some areas. Adults are large, powerful crocodilians, with males generally growing larger than females. They are not limited to the Nile River, despite their common name.
An Ambush Predator With a Changing Diet
Young Nile crocodiles take smaller prey such as insects, crustaceans and fish. Larger animals can take fish, birds, turtles and mammals when the opportunity arises. Crocodiles usually hunt from the water’s edge or beneath the surface, using a sudden rush and a powerful bite rather than chasing prey over long distances. What an individual eats depends on its size, season and the prey available in that waterway.
Nests, Hatchlings and Human Safety
Females dig nests in suitable banks or sand, guard the eggs and respond to hatchling calls. A mother can help open the nest and carry young to water, although hatchlings still face high mortality. Nile crocodiles can seriously injure or kill people, especially where daily activities bring people close to water. Local safety guidance, safe water access and protection of wetland habitat are all necessary where people and crocodiles share a landscape.
