Phylum
Chordata
Family
Crocodylidae
Class
Reptilia
Genus
Crocodylus
Order
Crocodilia
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Size
Males 3.5-5 m, 225-750 kg; females 2.4-3.8 m, 40-250 kg
Coloration
Olive-green; juveniles yellow with black spots
Adaptations
Strong jaws; armored skin
Habitat
Rivers, lakes, swamps, estuaries
Diet
Carnivorous
Fish, birds, mammals
Geographic Range
Sub-Saharan Africa, Nile basin, Madagascar
Reproduction
25-100 eggs; incubation 80-90 days
Threats
Habitat loss, historical hunting
Interesting Facts
Ambush Masters: Nile crocodiles can lie submerged for hours, using a third eyelid to see underwater while waiting to lunge at prey with a bite force of 5,000 psi. This stealth, honed over millions of years, makes them apex predators of Africa's waterways.
Ancient Survivors: Dating back 200 million years, they've outlived dinosaurs, with fossils showing little change, a testament to their evolutionary success. Their longevity (some live over 70 years) further cements their status as living relics.
Best Places to Sight
Okavango Delta, Botswana
Lake Nasser, Egypt
Kruger National Park, South Africa
Best Time to Sight
September-April: Dry season encourages crocodiles to bask on riverbanks.
Sighting Tip
Take boat tours at dusk to spot crocodiles basking on Lake Nasser’s shores.