For much of history the West African crocodile has been known to modern science as a subpopulation of the Nile crocodile. Recent genetic work including testing of Egyptian mummies has seen them elevated to species level.
These animals live across parts of western Africa where as a a carnivore they will hunt for mammals, birds and reptiles.
West African crocodiles are covered by hard, plate-like scales across their back which are colored olive or brown with dark bands present on the back. A defining feature is the dark band across the shoulder and down the flank.
These crocodiles tend to be smaller than the Nile crocodiles from which they were separated and have a narrower snout.
Their eyes, ears and nostrils sit on top of the head. This allows them to rest with their body mostly submerged in the water but means they can still see and hear what is going on around them.
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