Wildlife: Reptiles -
Crocodile 1/3
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Wildlife
Crocodylus Niloticus, Crocodile, Krokodil, Krokodil.
 Description
The crocodile species living in the Kruger National Park is the species that is
commonly found throughout Africa, the Nile crocodile. Crocodiles can be easily
recognised by the fourth mandibular tooth which is visible when the jaw is
closed. The crocodile will reach a length of up to 600 centimetres, one specimen
inside the Kruger National Park living in the north near Punda Maria measures
over 500 centimetres in lenght. Some species will gain a weight over 1 000
kilogramms. The jaws are long and have prominent teeth. The eyes and valved
nostrils are situated on top of the head. THe skin is covered with geometrically
arrange, horny plates, many of which are keeled and bony. The long tail is 40%
of the entire body lenght and often used as a might weapon.
Habitat
The crocodile inhabits larger rivers, lakes and swamps. It also
inhabits river mouths and mangrove forests. In the Kruger
National Park most chance of spotting crocodile is along the
crocodile river, which was named after the species, and the
larger dams.
Diet
The diet of a crocodile depends on its stage in life. Younger
species will prefer feeding in swampy areas and preying on fish
and smaller mammals. Adults will prey on larger and medium-sized
mammals by seizing them from the water with a sideways swipe of
the head. Usually antelope such as impala are taken but also
zebra have been known to form prey. Crocodiles seizing man are
not an uncommon sight. This makes the crocodile quite a
dangerous animal.
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