Nile crocodile
| Nile Crocodile | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Crocodilia |
| Family: | Crocodylidae |
| Subfamily: | Crocodylinae |
| Genus: | Crocodylus |
| Species: | C. niloticus |
| Binomial name | |
| Crocodylus niloticus (Laurenti, 1768) |
|
The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is the largest of the four crocodile species found in Africa. They have a long tail and powerful jaws. Their back feet are webbed for swimming. They grow up to 6 m (20 ft) in length and can weigh up to 1,000 kg (2,205 lb).[1] The males are usually bigger than the females.
Nile crocodiles are also found in Madagascar. They were also one found in Jordan and Israel.[1] They live in different habitats including lakes, rivers, and estuaries.
The Nile crocodile eats bigger animals as it gets bigger. Young crocodiles will eat insects and small fish, while adult crocodiles can catch and eat zebras, antelopes, wilderbeests and buffalo.[1]
The crocodiles mate in the water, and then the female lays eggs in a hole dug into the ground. They can lay 60 eggs which take about 90 days to hatch.[1] The female guards the nest during this time. Young crocodiles are able to reproduce when they get to about 12 years old.[1]
References [change]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 "Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus". arkive.org. 2012. http://www.arkive.org/nile-crocodile/crocodylus-niloticus/. Retrieved 19 November 2012.
