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Plantlife

Wildlife: Reptiles - Crocodile 2/3

Amphibians | Birds | Mammals | Reptiles | Wildlife

Crocodylus Niloticus, Crocodile, Krokodil, Krokodil.

Life history
Crocodiles are known to be very attentive parents. They construct nests and have an advanced care for their children. Crocodiles become sexually active at 14 to 15 years of age. At the start of the mating season in May males will develop dominance hierarchy. Courtship is very elaborate and mating takes place in the water in July-August. The female will select a suitable sunny bank that is above floodwater level and which has good drainage and cover nearby. She will then use it for the rest of her life. She digs a hole, 30 to 45 centimetres deep, with her hind legs and lays 16 to 80 white and hard-shelled eggs. She will defend the nest fiercely against all other crocodiles and predators. She will not eat during the hatching period, but will leave the nest site shortly now and again to drink. .

Behaviour
Most of the day is spent cruising the water. Crocodiles are rarely seen while swimming because they tend to be submerged with exception for their nose. This is why the crocodile relatively often takes human casualties. People simply do not expect crocodiles in the water. When larger mammals come to drink near the banks of a river or lake the crocodile will grasp its prey. During hot days the crocodile will lie on a sandbank to use the sun to increase his energy levels. Crocodiles will prey on hippopotamus at times but normally they live in ever lasting cease fire with their neighbours.

Field Signs
Prey hidden under undergrowth over riverbanks and trails on sandbanks usually give reason to suspect crocodile presence.

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