Southern African crocodiles are primarily the powerful Nile crocodile, apex ambush predators that hunt fish, birds, and large mammals like zebra, known for their strong bite, armored skin, and unique nesting habits where females guard eggs and help hatchlings emerge, with sexes determined by nest temperature. They're large reptiles, often over 16 feet, with males significantly bigger than females, living in rivers and swamps and reaching impressive sizes, with some growing over 20 feet long.
Key Facts
Species: Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus).
Size: Males average around 16 feet (5m) but can exceed 20 feet; females are 30% smaller.
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and freshwater swamps across much of Africa, including Southern Africa's warmer regions.
Diet: Opportunistic carnivores; young eat insects, adults eat fish, birds, reptiles, and mammals, using ambush tactics.
Hunting: Ambush predators, they wait for prey near water's edge and use powerful jaws and spinning to tear off chunks of meat.
Reproduction: Females nest in sandy banks, guarding nests aggressively; sex is temperature-dependent (warmer = male, cooler = female).
Parental Care: Both parents guard the nest; mother helps hatchlings out of eggs and carries them to water.
Unique Features: Can hold breath for 15 mins (longer with practice), have a valve to keep water out when mouth is open underwater, and possess a 4-chambered heart like birds/mammals.
Behavior: Gregarious in water ("floats"), use loud bellows and snout slaps for courtship.
Danger: Highly aggressive and responsible for numerous human fatalities in Africa.
