The beautiful dangerous Nile crocodile

The Great beautiful  and dangerous Nile crocodiles of Africa


The African beautiful dangerous Nile crocodile are the world’s largest and most powerful rivers and lakes crocodiles in Africa and the world at large. These dangerous Nile crocodiles are some of the worlds strongest animals  and have all the power to take even an African elephant down just because of the sheer Nile crocodile powerful jaws and strength. When we go way back to history we get that these beautiful dangerous African crocodiles were revered by the Egyptians and ended up be part and parcel as god of fertility, power and the god of  protection.

All over the world, the African Nile crocodile has made its name from one of the most dangerous Nile crocodile Gustavo which was resposible for many dangerous crocodile attacks in Africa and mostly South of the Sahara along lake Kavu and in areas around Malawi, Tanzania and around the Bukavu region.

The beautiful dangerous Nile Crocodile Scientific Name

The dangerous Nile crocodile is scientifically Known as Crocodylus niloticus.

Nile Crocodile Swahili name is known as Mamba

The beautiful dangerous Nile Crocodile Description

Head : The African Nile crocodile or Crocodylus niloticus head is similar to that of all other reptiles, located at the beginning of the huge body. The Crocodylus niloticus eyes, nostrils, and ears are on the upper side of the head of the crocodile.

Crocodylus niloticus Throat : The African Nile crocodiles have very strong and powerful jaws that help them grab the prey very firmly. At the backside of the throat these dangerous crocodiles have a special valve. This valve prevents water from entering inside when it opens its mouth to catch prey under water.

The Crocodylus niloticus Body : The Nile crocodile has a streamlined body with spikes on it. The Nile crocodile's tail is long and very strong with spikes as same as on the rest of the body’s upper part.
The stomach of a crocodile is a place where you will find many things if your ever get in the stomach of a crocodile by whatever means. This is beause crocodiles eat a viriety of may animals whether dead or alive rotten or stale so long as they are part of the crocodile's diet  such as turtles of any species, fish whether salt water or fressh water different kinds of birds which come to drink water or are just nesting on the banks of the crocodile territory and breeding grounds  giraffes, buffalo, lions and even (when defending territory) other crocodiles. 


At the same time, crocodiles as strange as it may be swallow large stones that stay permanently in their bellies. Will this do any thing good to have stones in your stomach and not in your kidney, these beautiful dangerous animals as its been suggested that theu use these stomach for ballast in diving. I guess for many it would just be an impediment and a good reason to drawn. While for some surfers, the point is clear that when your are swept by the current and find yourself on the sea bed, the best way to find your self alive out of the treacherous waters is to find a big stone and carry it along with your out of the giant waves.

Crocodylus niloticus Feet : The African Nile crocodile have four feet. The hind feet are webbed and long to help them swim in the Nile rivers and at the same time help them dig int he mud while nesting or laying eggs.

Color : An adult Nile crocodile is greyish olive in color. Underneath part is yellowish in color. An African Nile baby or  Juvenile Nile crocodile is dark olive brown or green colored. The  Nile crocodiles  have black colored cross band on its body and tail when at young age. As the crocodiles species grows in age the band becomes fainter, eventually diminishing.

Crocodylus niloticus Size : The greatest crocodile pictures and videos are the ones which are normally captured during the great wildebeest animal migration around the Serengeti and Mara rive in East Africa. This is where you find some of the largest crocodiles videos when they come into action. The male African Nile crocodiles are larger than the female ones. Some very older ones are about 18ft in length. The males vary between 11.5ft to 16ft. in length. The female Nile crocodiles range between 8ft. between 13ft. in length.

Crocodylus niloticus Weight : Its amazing to note how these dangerous animals can grow to such huge sizes. Well with plenty of wild animals to feast on while coming tot he watering holes in many of the Africa's great lakes and rivers,  an average, healthy, and grown up Nile crocodile weighs about 225kg.

Nile Crocodile Behavior :

Know  are some of the interesting behavioral characteristics about Nile crocodiles.

The Crocodylus niloticus  are very much social in nature.
Like any other animal in the wilderness and with all the animal instincts to ad to that, the male Nile crocodiles are also very protective about the off-springs as much as the female crocodiles as well.
These dangerous African Animals send messages via touch, odor, body language, postures, etc.
The Crocodylus niloticus interact through sounds. Its amazing to note that these beautiful crocodiles They produce more than six different kinds of vocal sounds.
They Nile crocodiles are very territorial beings. They maintain their territories strictly with extra care during their breeding season.
Nile Crocodile Distribution

Nile crocodiles are widely found around Lake Chad, Senegal River, Sudan, Wadai, Okavango Delta, and Cunene regions. They have been traced in the southern and western parts of Madagascar. The species have also been spotted sometimes in Comoros and Zanzibar. They actually cover the entire sub-Saharan Africa.

Nile Crocodile Habitat

Nile crocodiles inhabit mostly in coastal lagoons, rivers, and estuaries that flank forest belts at the equator. Their preferred habitats are lakes, rivers, dams, and marshes. In some regions they have been observed to inhabit in the sea belts also.

Nile Crocodile Diet

Nile crocodiles change their diet habit with their age. Younger ones diet on snakes, frogs, insects, spiders, small vertebrates, and many other smaller reptiles. The grown up ones feed on bigger animals like wart hogs, antelopes, zebras, comparatively bigger domestic animals, and even humans.

Nile Crocodile Reproduction

Nile crocodiles mate under water. They are very protective towards their territories at the breeding time. The male ones guard around the borders of their territories. The eggs are kept in a hole in the soft soil under water, which the females dig. The females guard their eggs at a continuous stretch for 3 months, without even eating. When the hatchlings come out they are guarded for another six months and are taken to a safe zone under water only.


Nile Crocodile Life Span

Nile crocodiles have a very long life span. An averagely healthy Nile crocodile lives for about 70years to 100years.

Nile Crocodile Life Cycle



New born Nile crocodiles grow at in size at a pace of 1 ft. every year. After hatching out of the eggs, the young ones feed on their own egg yolks, and then hunt out for insects. They stay under their parents’ supervision for quite some time.

As they grow, they start eating larger animals like big domestic animals, other reptiles, and many other animals in the wild. They hunt on humans also. They live up to 70years to 100years of age.

Nile Crocodile Predators

Nile crocodiles are apex predators, thus they have no predators in the wild. Only humans sometimes hunt down these crocodiles.

Nile Crocodile Adaptation

Nile crocodile is an apex predator species. Still is sometimes being hunted if not preyed, and even stand chances of natural threats to its existence. Thus like all creatures on earth this species also has some adaptive features to sustain its existence.

Their scales prevent them from oozing moisture from the body and survive during the scorching hot and dry period.
Their metabolism rate is very slow. During natural calamities when not much of preys are to be found around, they can still survive without eating.
The young ones are protected from being preyed by other aquatic creatures, grown up ones, by their parents. The parent Nile crocodiles are very protective and just don’t leave their kids for a long time span until they younger ones are grown up enough to prey and defend themselves.
Nile Crocodile & Egyptian Plovers

The proverb of relationship between the Egyptian plover and Nile crocodile goes that the bird hops in to open mouth of the crocodile to eat the parasites from teeth of the crocodile. Once the job is done it flies out and the Nile crocodile does not hurt or harm the bird. It is a relationship of mutual benefit. The bird gets its food and the crocodile’s teeth get cleaned.

Conservation Status: Least Concerned

Till now the Nile crocodile species is on the safe list of IUCN, shown as Least Concerned. Because of the natural adaptive features of Nile crocodile and being an apex predator it does not stand the risk of survival threat.

Nile Crocodile Interesting Facts

Find out some very interesting facts about the Nile crocodiles.

Nile crocodiles are the largest crocodile species in the world.
These crocodiles are very social in nature.
They are can survive without food for a long time span due to their slow metabolism rate.
Nile crocodiles are capable of producing more than six different kinds of vocal sounds.
This species have a very long life span of about 70 years to 100 years.
The scales on the body of Nile crocodiles help them sustain the moisture within and survive in the driest of the days.
In ancient days these Nile crocodiles were worshiped and were also considered as the symbol of Pharaohs in Egypt.
The myth of the mutual relationship between Egyptian plover and Nile crocodile has not yet been observed to be proven true.


The crocodile
Crocodiles are dreaded prehistoric creatures capable of wreaking a terrible punishment on any human flesh. North American, Estuarine and Nile crocodiles are the most dangerous and probably kill more people yearly than figures show due to the isolated areas where attacks are likely to take place and distance from help.

Crocodylus_niloticus_Ankarafantsika_Madagascar
One meal will keep a crocodile sated for a good while, so they like to wait in the water for the perfect time to strike. With a gross body weight of between 225kg to 1000kg, getting caught up in the massive jays of the African crocodile will be  a crocodile attack which has a story to tell.



Responsible for: An estimated 600-800 fatalities a year.
The Largest African Nile crocodile Gustavo: alone was responsible to many of the attacks in the early 80s
Hangs out in: Most of the biggest crocodiles are found in Africa in many rivers of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and south Africa while Asia mainly India, Pakistan and China has its own Indian crocodile or mash crocodile or the Mugger crocodile while Australia and many parts of North and South America have their own Crocodile and Alligator species.

Method of dispatch: With terrifying speed, crocodiles can launch themselves out of the water like a missile and latch hold of their prey. They then go into a death roll, spinning the victim around and around to disorientate, thereby lessening its chance of escape.
Useful avoidance techniques: Straight from the society of stating the obvious: do not swim in areas where there are crocodiles. It may be hot, and you may want a swim, but the croc will see you coming and the rest doesn’t bear thinking about. If you’re unfortunate enough to be grabbed, shout, scream, claw the creature on the eyes.

Nile Crocodiles have very powerful teeth and when
they snap they they can bring a jumbo down


Nile crocodiles


Crocodylus cataphractus


Crocodylus palustris

African uzkoryly crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) lives in Central Africa Republic with countries such as Congo, Zaire, Gabon  and West Africa mainly Cameroon, Equatorial Guine. Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Abidjan, Liberia and Sierraleone.The length of the crocodiles of this species is usually  2,5 meters, but sometimes it may reach 4.


Crocodylus intermedius




Crocodylus Rhombifer
Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) dwells, respectively, in Cuba. This medium-sized crocodile. Their average length is about 3.5 meters, but occasionally reaches and 5 meters. Its found mainly in Cuba's Zapata Swamp and the Isle of Youth, and highly endangered, it formerly ranged in the Caribbean species have been found in the Cayman Islands and the Bahamas.


The Cuban crocodile with their sort toes tend to have more time basking on river banks unlike other web feet crocodiles and alligators in South America. The most important fact about the Cuban crocodile is that the big  Cuban crocodile  and the young Cuban crocodile have a sundry yellow and  black and yellow distinctive markings on their upper side which has earned them the name  'pearly' crocodiles.


A colony of this species at Gatorland, Florida has also exhibited what is strongly suspected to be pack-hunting behavior but not that dangerous to man as compared to the Nile or the American alligator.
The Cuban crocodile main threats illicit hunting and hybridization with native American Crocodiles which has made the Cuban crocodile to be on the verge of extinction as a result  of hunting due to the sale of meat like any other crocodile and alligator breed which finds its way in the  market to private restaurants and hotels in their menu for the tourist industry as a delicacy.



Nile
Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is comparable to the size Ridginess crocodile, although on average a little inferior to him at length. Typically, the maximum length of males is about 6 meters.Widespread in Africa

Pattaya Crocodile

Crocodile Niger
Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) , along with the Mississippi alligator is the largest representative of his family (according to some experts - the largest). The usual length of black caiman is about 4 meters, but according to some sources, that sometimes these caimans grow up to 6 meters. Like all other caimans, black caiman distributed in South America, in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, etc.


Crocodylus Cataphractus




Ridginess , sea, or saline crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) - considered the largest of modern crocodiles. Some extremely large adult males reach 7 meters in length. Often goes to the open sea, so he has earned one of his titles. Inhabits Ridginess crocodile in Southeast Asia and northern Australia.

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is comparable to the size Ridginess crocodile, although on average a little inferior to him at length. Typically, the maximum length of males is about 6 meters.Widespread in Africa.

Marsh or mugger, or Maher (Crocodylus palustris) is also a very large crocodile, with a body length from about 4 to 5 meters. In marsh crocodile is a very broad face, which makes it a little bit like an alligator. Distributed throughout India, including neighboring countries.

Ostroryly, or the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is one of the largest species. In rare cases, males of this species can reach about 6 feet. The basis of its diet is all sorts of waterfowl livestock (mostly fish). Sometimes the attacks and small mammals.
Inhabits ostroryly crocodile in northern South America, Central America and southern United States.

African uzkoryly crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) lives in Central and West Africa. The length of the crocodiles of this species is usually Oklo 2,5 meters, but sometimes it may reach 4.

Orinoksky crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) distributed in Colombia and Venezuela. A very large crocodile. The dimensions are about the same as that of ostrorylogo crocodile, whom he also resembles his narrow snout.

Crocodile Johnston or Australian uzkoryly crocodile (Crocodylus johnstoni) quite small crocodile. Maximum length is about 3 meters long, usually as only 2. Distributed in northern Australia.

Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) inhabits, as its name implies, the Philippine Islands.This is a small crocodile, whose maximum length is not more than 3 meters.

Central American crocodile, or alligator Morel (Crocodylus moreletii) is also relatively small scale form. Males usually reach about 3 mterov length. Distributed in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala.

New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) lives in New Guinea and Indonesia. The maximum length of males - approximately 3,5 meters.

Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) dwells, respectively, in Cuba. This medium-sized crocodile. Their average length is about 3.5 meters, but occasionally reaches and 5 meters.

Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) lives in Southeast Asia, in countries such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Brunei, etc. Length of about 3-4 meters.

Roundnose or African dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) distributed in West and Central Africa. Length is less than two meters. The maximum recorded length roundnose crocodile - 1,9 meters (according to some sources).



Mississippi, or the American
alligator
(Alligator mississippiensis)
Mississippi, or the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) vies with black Cayman for the title of the largest representative of the family Alligatoridae. The length of adult males is normally 4-4,5 meters, but in exceptional cases, according to some sources, may reach more than 5 meters.Jaws strong and wide. Distribution: southern USA.


Chinese alligator
(Alligator sinensis)
Chinese alligator (Alligator sinensis) , together with the Mississippi alligator is the genus Alligator.This is the only member of the family Alligatoridae, living in the Old World. The usual length of Chinese alligator is about 2 meters.









Black caiman
(Melanosuchus niger)
Black caiman (Melanosuchus niger) , along with the Mississippi alligator is the largest representative of his family (according to some experts - the largest). The usual length of black caiman is about 4 meters, but according to some sources, that sometimes these caimans grow up to 6 meters. Like all other caimans, black caiman distributed in South America, in countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, etc.




Croco, or spectacled caiman
 (Caiman crocodilus)
Croco, or spectacled caiman (Caiman crocodilus) distributed in Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, Panama, Nicaragua, etc.

The length of the alligator caiman is usually 2-2,5 meters.


Shirokomordy caiman
(Caiman latirostris)
Shirokomordy caiman (Caiman latirostris) distributed in the northern part of Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Uruguay.
The maximum length of this species is approximately 3.5 meters.


Paraguayan or yakarsky
caiman (Caiman yacare)
Paraguayan or yakarsky caiman (Caiman yacare) reaches 2,5-3 meters in length. Widespread in the southern part of Brazil, northern Argentina, Paraguay and southern Bolivia.


Dwarf, or gladkoloby caiman
 Cuvier (Paleosuchus palpebrosus)
Dwarf, or gladkoloby caiman Cuvier (Paleosuchus palpebrosus) lives in Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, etc.

The length of this small caiman is about 1,5-1,6 meters, making it the smallest member of the order
Crocodylia.




Dwarf, or gladkoloby caiman
Schneider (Paleosuchus trigonatus)
Dwarf, or gladkoloby caiman Schneider (Paleosuchus trigonatus) actually, if you think, not really a dwarf. The usual length of the caiman is about 1,7-2,3 meters, but occasionally it may reach 2.6 Murtha in length.




Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus)
Gavial (Gavialis gangeticus) has the most specific appearance among modern crocodiles. Until recently it was considered the sole representative of the family gavialovyh (Gavialidae), survived to the present day. However, recently scientists have come to the conclusion that
the false gavial is also a representative of the family.

Gavial is one of the largest crocodiles in the world. At length, he usually does not yield to such monsters as Ridginess and Nile crocodiles. However, its long and slender jaws, bristling with long and thin teeth are only suitable for fishing, which is the basis of the diet gavial.

Inhabits gavial in India, Nepal, Pakistan and neighboring countries.


Gavialovy crocodile psevdogavial
or false gavial (Tomistoma schlegeli)
Gavialovy crocodile psevdogavial or false gavial (Tomistoma schlegeli) , as its name implies, is very similar to gavial. For a long time, scientists believed it representative of a family of crocodile (Crocodylidae), and its similarity to gavialom - convergence. Currently, however, zoologists compare him with gavialom and placed in one of his family - Gavialidae.
The maximum length of a false gavial - about 5 meters. Occurs in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Albino Alligators
Because they are so pale, albino alligators can get a pink sunburn from being out in direct sunlight for too long. To accommodate them, zoos such as the Knoxville Zoo in Knoxville, Tenn., create heavily shaded habitats with special heat lamps for the pigment-challenged alligators.


You might be interested about Latest Animal Attacks News
The tallest giraffes in the World
Africa's Big Game Animal Hunting
The untold story of dangerous animals
Greatest Animal Photos