The crocodile is perhaps one of the scariest animals that scare children. His aggression is inexplicable for an unenlightened layman, although it is dictated only by instinct. Many plots are built on the inexplicable desire of an adult crocodile to drag the victim to the bottom faster. works of art. Therefore, the answer to a purely practical question is always interesting: “How much does a crocodile weigh so that it can deal with the victim so easily?”.

Size and weight

How much a crocodile weighs, what its dimensions will become, depends on the type and gender of the reptiles. Sea (aka ridged) can grow more than seven meters and, accordingly, will weigh about a ton. Dwarf he is West African) grow up to a maximum of 1.9 meters, and he will gain weight up to 32 kg (maximum - 80 kg). Crocodiles are animals with pronounced sexual dimorphism, males grow much faster and become much larger than females. Moreover, a carcass weighing more than a ton grows from a baby 20 cm in size.

Observing the size of crocodiles and their weight is difficult behavioral features and inaccessibility of reptile habitats.

Only observations of crocodiles in captivity are reliable. The largest crocodile ever seen is a combo-Siamese crocodile hybrid named Yai on a farm in Thailand. Its length is 6 meters, weight - 1114 kg.

The length of the largest crocodile caught alive is 6.17 meters, weight is 1075 kg (Philippines).

How long do crocodiles live

It is difficult to determine with a high probability the age of a crocodile. The usual method adopted is to measure lamellar rings in teeth and bones: once every year, when the climate changes from dry to wet, a new ring appears as a result of a change in growth rate.

Therefore, the age of crocodiles is almost always spoken of with an estimated degree of probability. According to such estimates, almost all species of crocodiles live from thirty to forty years, although it is believed that large ones (combed, Nile, swamp, Central American) can live up to 70 years. Some of the largest specimens of combed crocodiles live over a hundred years.

Crocodile as an animal

The name crocodile is commonly used to identify all reptiles of the crocodile species. But only representatives of the family of true crocodiles can be strictly attributed to Crocodylinae. Based on this, this article will consider the features of the crocodile family (with the exception of gavial and alligator)

There are 24 known species of crocodiles in the world, divided into 3 families and 8 genera.

The largest family - crocodile, includes three genera - real crocodiles, blunt-nosed, gavial.
1 genus - real crocodiles:

    African narrow-nosed;

    marsh;

    combed;

    Cuban;

    Nile;

    New Guinean;

    Orinoco;

    sharp-snouted;

    freshwater;

    Siamese;

    Philippine;

    Central American.

2 genus - blunt crocodiles. Includes only one representative - blunt-nosed crocodile(in Latin -Osteolaemus tetraspis listen)) is a West African dwarf crocodile.

3rd genus - gavial.

It also has only one representative - Tomistoma schlegelii (false gharial).

African narrow-nosed (Mecistops cataphractus)

Considered an endangered species, little studied. Habitat - by throughout the western tropical Africa from Lake Tanganyika and Lake Mweru in the east/southeast to in the west. Dlength up to 4 meters (although individuals over 3-3.5 meters have not been observed today during observations), weight - presumably up to 230 kg.

It feeds mainly on fish, adults can eat turtles and birds, females lay up to 16 large eggs, masonry is not guarded, the breeding period is up to 110 days. They live in rivers overgrown with vegetation, according to estimated estimates, now up to 20,000 adults, its number is constantly decreasing. They live in 10 subpopulations. Scientists cannot answer the question of how long Mecistops cataphractus crocodiles live due to insufficient knowledge of the species. . The estimated data of the Red Book is 25 years.

Swamp (Crocodylus palustris)

Listed in the Red Book, habitat - in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and possibly Bangladesh, its range extends west into eastern Iran, the current state is about 87,00 individuals, an increase of nearly 6,000 adult crocodiles since 1989.

It lives in any reservoirs, even artificially created ones, digs holes along the banks, wheresurvives in dry times or extremely cold (up to 5 degrees).It feeds on fish, mammals, birds, turtles. In a fight with a leopard, he often wins. Seen in Lately in an attack on people, which, according to scientists, indicates an increase in numbers.

Considered an average species, the average size of a crocodile is:females - up to 2.45 meters, males - up to 3.5 meters, weight on average from 50 kg for females and up to 250 kg for males. The weight of a mature male can reach up to 400 kg with a length of up to 4.5 meters. The clutch can contain up to 30 eggs, the hatching period is from 50 to 75 days. It moves well on land, can develop a decent speed - up to 12 km per hour.An interesting feature is the creation of a bait for hunting birds. The crocodile lays on the muzzle (and it lies on the water in a horizontal plane) tree branches. Birds, worried about the lack of building material for nests, fly very close to the reptile.

Ridged, or marine

Most great view crocodiles and the most dangerous for humans. Settlement area - inland and surrounding waters South-East Asia and Australia. This species is the most common and the most studied.

How long the combed crocodile lives is known most fully, since both hunters and scientists have been studying this species due to its danger. According to observations, the life span of this species is 50-80 years, although according to the studied remains, some specimens lived up to a hundred years.

The size of the combed crocodile is quite impressive. The maximum of those described is 10 meters, although today it is from 5 to 6 meters. Weight up to two tons. On average - up to 700 kg.

It grows throughout its life. In the biosystem of its range - the top of the food chain. Adults feed not only on fish, small and medium-sized mammals, but also on the largest animals, including predators.

According to paleontologists, this species of crocodiles arose more than 12 million years ago. It is considered very ancient.

The features of the combed crocodile include its ability to move far in sea ​​water. Marked individuals swam to distances of up to 500 km from their traditional habitats, using sea currents to conserve strength.

Scientists define its status as the least vulnerable to extinction.

Cuban (Crocodylus rhombifer)

W listed in the Red Book(there are up to 5000 adults, endangered due to extermination and hybridization with narrow-nosed (both in artificial and in vivo offspring reproduce). Lives in Cubabelongs to the size of medium-sized (2.3 meters in length, weighing up to 40 kg), mature males can reach a weight of up to 200 kg with a length of up to 3.5 meters.

One of the most aggressive crocodiles. It moves well on land at speeds up to 17 km per hour. Females lay up to 60 eggs, the incubation period is up to 70 days. They eat fish, mammals, birds. People are rarely attacked in natural conditions, it is believed that this is due to their small number. Behavior in captivity extremely aggressive towards humans.

Nile (Crocodylus niloticus)

This species is considered as aggressive as the combed one. The size of the crocodile is slightly smaller than the combed one. The descriptions indicate a length of up to 6 meters, but today the existing mature individuals, depending on the region of habitat, can be up to a maximum of 3.5 meters. Modern reliable records of how much a crocodile weighs Crocodylus niloticus,there are enough to estimate his weight on average. Observations show that the weight of modern nile crocodile can range from 250 to 350 kg.

His cannibalistic predilections are known to all the inhabitants of the vast territory of Africa south of the Sahara. He prefers the fresh waters of Africa, but the population noticed him in coastal waters. He, like combed crocodile, top the food chain its ecosystem, eats everything and different weight, which can reach, jump, grab. The status of the animal is the least dangerous for extinction.

New Guinean (Crocodylus novaeguineae)

Relatively small of real crocodiles. According to DNA research, it is recognized as a close relative of the Philippine, but isolated in separate view. Habitat - inland waters of the island of New Guinea. Until 1996, it was listed in the Red Book with the status of "threat of extinction", then with an assessment of "least concern". Like all crocodiles, it was exterminated in the fifties and sixties of the last century because of the valuable skin. In 1970, after the adoption of a program of conservation measures, the number by 1996 was restored to the natural continuation of the population. Now they are, according to various estimates, up to 50 thousand.

Crocodile sizeCrocodylus novaeguineae -from2.7 meters in females up to3 .5 meters in males.Measured body weight - 294.5 kg.

The New Guinea crocodile is divided into two populations - northern and southern. The way of life (especially masonry) of crocodiles in them is slightly different. In the northern population, the nest is built on water from plants, in the southern population, more often on land.

The New Guinea crocodile is the most vociferous crocodile: both babies and adults emit great amount soundsfor different life situations which allows them to "communicate".

Orinoksky

This crocodile(Crocodylus intermedius) has the status of an endangered species in the Red Book. To date, its number is estimated as extremely low to maintain the population - only up to one and a half thousand.

Vin the fifties and sixties of the last century, after mass hunting, the population was practically on the verge of extinction. In 1970, after the introduction of the protected statusthe number has increased slightly.It is still exterminated, as it has valuable skin.In addition, the local population collects crocodile babies for the purpose of subsequent sale.

Lives in Venezuela and Colombia (the basin prefers fresh lakes and rivers.

The size of the crocodile is quite impressive - up to 5.2 meters (males), females are much smaller - up to 3.6 meters. Due to the lack of knowledge (due to the lack of the individuals themselves), there is a problem in determining the mass. How much does a crocodile weigh Crocodylus intermedius, known from hunters, the average weight of a male is 380 kg, females - 225 kg.

V clutch maximum 70 eggs. The mother not only guards the eggs for two and a half months before hatching, but also takes care of the babies for the next three years.

There have been cases of attacks on people. But due to the small population and the inaccessibility of habitats, this rarely happens.

sharp-nosed

The largest crocodile in the New World. Lives in fresh and salt lakes, at the mouths of rivers. They move well on the water, populating the islands. The size of a crocodile of this species depends on the population, somewhere less (up to 4 meters on average), somewhere more (up to 5-6 meters in hardened males). The main food - fish, unlike combed and Nile (similar in size), do not switch to feeding on mammals. Seen in attacks on people, although these are quite rare cases.

Freshwater (Crocodylus johnsoni)

Inhabits does not go out to sea and estuaries, being afraid of being caught by the combed (marine) crocodile. It feeds on fish and small vertebrates. Sizes on average up to 3 meters, in the population in northern Australia, the size is smaller. It is not dangerous for humans, since the force of compression of its jaws is rather weak. How long do crocodiles Crocodylus johnsoni live in captivity (in particular, in Australian zoo) is known for sure - up to twenty years, although presumably individual individuals can exist and grow up to a hundred years or more.

Siamese (Crocodylus siamensis)

F Yvet v Indonesia, Brunei, East Malaysia, southern Indochina. Populations of crocodiles living in all countries of the region number only 5,000 individuals. Listed in the Red Book. In Kam boje and thailand successfully operate special programs to preserve the species. The maximum size of this crocodile is 3 meters, although when hybridized with a combed one, it is up to 4 meters. It feeds on fish and small vertebrates.

Philippine (Crocodylus mindorensis)

An endangered species, only 200 adults. The maximum size is up to three meters. Eats fish and small mammals. Previously considered a subspecies of the New Guinean crocodile, it is now separated into a separate species.

Central American (Crocodylus moreletii)

Lives in tropical forests Central America. The size of males in today's conditions is up to 2.7 meters (earlier, according to the results of hunting, up to 4.5 meters and weighing up to 400 kg). Cannibalism has not been noticed lately, the explanation for this is the remoteness of habitats. It feeds on fish, reptiles and mammals.

Blunt-nosed crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) - West African pygmy crocodile

Grows up to 1.8 meters (maximum), weight from 18 to 32 kilograms (maximum 80 kg), occurs alone or in pairs, lives in burrows or hollows lah of trees leaning close to the water. It's a heavily armored crocodile(he needs this to protect himself from those who eat him large predators) , with dark spots on the back and sides, with a yellow belly.Compared to the largest saltwater crocodile (up to9 -and meters) he's just a baby,countsthe smallest crocodilein the world (similar in size to a smooth-fronted caiman).

Belongs to the little-studied species. According to the study, the number of crocodile is slowly decreasing due to changes in the ecosystem of habitats (deforestation, approaching places of human activity). It is listed in the Red Book with the status of little vulnerable.

Lives in western Africa. Prefers fresh water. Leads a nocturnal lifestyle. It digs deep holes, and quite often their entrance is located below the water level.

The clutch usually contains 10 eggs (sometimes up to 20).

Tomistoma schlegelii (false gharial)

Lives in Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam. Prefers slow rivers, swampy lakes. Lives among thickets or on drifting islands of vegetation. The species of false gharials is listed in the Red Book with the status of “threatened with extinction. The number of all populations is no more than 2500 adults. The size of males of this species can reach up to 6 meters. Because of the elongated muzzle, it got its name - gharial. The narrow long muzzle is the result of eating habits, mainly soft mammals and reptiles. V last years b There have been several attacks on people her.

Everyone knows that the Nile crocodile is a super predator, which is not much inferior in size to the combed crocodile, which occupies the lead in the world. This predator lives in African countries. For many centuries, the large Nile crocodile has caused fear, as it is able to quickly and ruthlessly kill not only animals, but also people. The popularity of this species is also facilitated by the fact that its population is quite large and stable, although there are territories where such individuals are considered endangered.

The impressive size of the Nile crocodile allows it to hunt even animals larger than itself. The only exceptions are elephants and hippos. In length, adults can reach 5 meters, and their weight can vary from 225 to 550 kilograms. However, cases have been recorded when the length of the Nile crocodile reached over 6 meters, in particular, the largest animal 6.45 meters long was killed at the beginning of the last century in Tanzania. Interestingly, the smallest representatives of this species live in the south, and the largest in the center of the continent.

Physiological features

Nile crocodiles have a 4-chambered heart, which allows them to saturate the blood with oxygen as much as possible - if necessary, it can stay under water for up to two hours, while reducing the intensity of metabolic processes. Due to its slow metabolism and low body temperature, it does not require daily meals. At the same time, at one time, he can eat prey weighing half his own weight.

In the jaw of an adult there are 64-68 identical hollow conical teeth that change up to 50 times in a lifetime.

Representatives of crocodiles belonging to this family are distinguished by short legs, scaly skin with rows of bone plates, a very powerful honor and a strong tail. The organs of vision are located on top of the head, as well as the nostrils, so that the predator can be almost completely submerged in water for camouflage. There is also a third eyelid to protect the eyes from contact with water and glands that secrete "crocodile tears". The skin of the Nile individuals in young age light brown with stripes of a dark shade in the tail and on the back, however, the color darkens with age.

What does the Nile crocodile eat?

Like all representatives of this species, the Nile crocodile is a predator. His diet consists only of meat.

Hatched crocodiles eat small insects and various aquatic invertebrates. After a few weeks, grown crocodiles are already beginning to eat more than big booty: amphibian, reptile, small fish and birds.

Reaching larger sizes, the crocodile hunts for larger prey. The diet of an adult Nile crocodile consists of fish and animals that come to drink. They successfully hunt African buffalo, zebras, giraffes, antelopes, warthogs, monkeys and even hyenas, leopards and lions. Crocodiles do not hunt only elephants, rhinos and hippos. Although the cubs of these animals can easily become a victim of the Nile crocodile.

The Nile crocodile is dangerous not only for animals, but also for humans. Every year, according to various sources, Nile crocodiles claim the lives of 1,000 people.

The crocodile waits for its prey near the shore, almost completely submerged in water. Seeing the intended victim, the crocodile abruptly jumps out of the water and grabs the prey with its powerful jaws. He inflicts on his victim deadly bites or dragged under water to drown her. Crocodiles do not disdain carrion, but they do not eat rotten meat.

Read more about the nutrition of other types of crocodiles in the article: .

Habitat of the Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile lives on almost the entire African continent.

In ancient times, the Nile crocodile was found in Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Algeria, Libya, Jordan, Syria and the Comoros.

Now its habitat has been slightly reduced. Most individuals of the Nile crocodile live in Zambia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia in the Nile basin. A smaller number of individuals live in Zanzibar, Morocco, Tanzania, Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Liberia, Mozambique, Mauritania, Nigeria, Namibia, Malawi, Zaire, Botswana, Cameroon, Angola, Central African Republic, Chad , Burundi, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Swaziland. The Nile crocodile is also found on nearby islands along the coasts of Africa: Madagascar, Socrates Island, the Cape Verde Islands, the archipelago of Sao Tome and Principe.

Reproduction of the Nile crocodile

The period of the mating season for the Nile crocodile in the north of the range falls during the dry season, in the southern part it coincides with the rainy season. At this time, the males are trying in every possible way to attract the attention of the female. They make different sounds, snort, roar, hit the water with their muzzle and even enter into deadly contractions. The winner expels the opponent and is left alone with the female.

After mating, the female looks for a suitable place to lay her eggs. These are mostly sandy beaches along the riverbed. The female lays in one clutch from 20 to 100 eggs, in a hard calcareous shell, which develop for about 90 days. During this time, both parents are close to the masonry and guard the nest. When the period of the birth of offspring comes, the mother, having heard chirping sounds, breaks the masonry and helps the cubs get to the water. For the first 6-10 weeks, babies live in a shallow pond under the supervision of their mother. Then the kids disperse around the neighborhood, seeking refuge from predators and other crocodiles.

When they reach an older age, they leave their native places and look for a more suitable place of residence. On average, Nile crocodiles live 45-50 years, but there are also centenarians, up to 85 years old.

Varieties

The Nile crocodile is one of the species listed in the Red Book, so their population in their habitats is monitored. The appearance and physiology of crocodiles from different habitats can differ significantly, so they are divided into species: Ethiopian, East African, South African, West African, Malagasy, Kenyan and Central African.

Crocodile is the oldest animal living in the time of dinosaurs. And the most dangerous species Nile and combed crocodile are considered. It is on account of these animals the largest number human sacrifice.

In this article we will talk about the Nile crocodile.

It is found throughout, in the Seychelles and Comoros, in Madagascar. Relatively recently, it could still be found in Asia, but today, it is completely exterminated there. Nile crocodiles divided into a large number of types:

These are found in rivers and freshwater. They can reach a length of 4 to 6 meters, but giants are also known, whose length is 7 meters. These animals can weigh from 270 to 910 kg.

The photographs show that the Nile crocodiles have a not very long muzzle, which does not exceed the width. Young animals are brown and also dark olive in color. An adult crocodile is dark green in color with black spots on the back, and its belly is lighter than the entire body of the animal, often dirty yellow. With age, the reptile becomes more and more pale.

The nostrils and eyes of crocodilians are located at the top of the head, which is why they can breathe and see when the rest of the body is in the water. Unlike other animals, these reptiles have external ears that close like nostrils when crocodilians dive.

The Nile crocodile is a diurnal animal. During the night they rest in the ponds, and when the sun rises, they go hunting, or further rest in the sun.

Feeding and hunting of the Nile crocodile

The Nile crocodile eats quite diversely. Small reptiles eat, for example, dragonflies. Larger crocodiles - shellfish, fish, and crustaceans. Sometimes a bird, a reptile, or a mammal such as a rhinoceros or buffalo becomes their prey. Sometimes animals attack lions and tigers.

The reptile is waiting for its future victim in the water, near the shore itself. Perhaps it will take more than one hour until something living approaches the water. Then the reptile swims closer to the prey and waits at a distance of about several meters, at which time its body is immersed in water, with the exception of the eyes and nostrils. Suddenly, the reptile jumps out of the water and grabs the head of the victim with its mouth, drowns it, dragging it to deep water. Then, with the help of its powerful jaws, the crocodile pulls out parts of the meat.

While hunting fish, the reptile beats with its tail to stun and frighten it, and it swallows the one that is stunned. Reptiles feed quite often, although several days, sometimes a year or even more, can do without food.

Crocodiles are remarkably adapted to living underwater and in the water. For swimming, they use their paddle-like, powerful tail. The hind legs are webbed. Another adaptation to aquatic life is the presence of a third eyelid: a membrane that, when immersed under water, protects its eyes, while the crocodile can see further. Crocodiles can stay under water for a very long time: on average, about forty minutes, and older crocodiles may not emerge for more than one hour.

Of course, on land, reptiles are slower than in water, but they still develop a fairly good speed of 30 km / h. But the most interesting thing is that on land, crocodiles are very cowardly and do everything possible to run away to the water as soon as possible. It is for this reason that only about 3 out of 10 reptile attacks occur on land.

Reproduction of Nile crocodiles

Crocodiles become ready for breeding only by 8-12 years. The female lays 50 eggs. During the entire incubation period, for a period of 80-90 days, she stays close to the nest, then provides assistance to the newborns in order for them to get out of the nest. Young crocodiles live with their mother for two years.

Titles: Nile crocodile.
Given the wide range of distribution of the Nile crocodile, several varieties have evolved that are rarely mentioned in the literature and none of the varieties are officially recognized as subspecies status:
- East African Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus africanus;
- West African Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus chamses;
- South African Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus corviei;
- Malagasy Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus madagascariensis;
- Ethiopian Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus niloticus;
- Kenyan Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus pauciscutatus;
- Central African Nile crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus suchus.

area: Distributed throughout Africa, except for its northern part, in Madagascar, Comoros and Seychelles. In ancient times, it lived in Egypt and Palestine, but today it is not found below the second threshold on the Nile. In Southwest Asia (in the Tserka River, Israel), the Nile crocodile has been exterminated quite recently. The species was registered in following countries African Continent: Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast - Ivory Coast, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Mauritania, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone (West Africa) , Somalia, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Description: In the Nile crocodile, the length of the muzzle does not exceed its width at the base by more than twice. 4-6 occipital scutes arranged in one transverse row and 4 large occipital scutes form a square, the first transverse row of which is bordered on the sides by two smaller scutes. Dorsal shields are rectangular, oriented in regular longitudinal and transverse rows; dorsal scutes of median pair of longitudinal rows do not differ from other dorsal scutes. The skin of crocodilians, unlike others, grows with them, so there is no molting process in crocodilians. The eye and nostrils of crocodiles are located at the top of the head, so they can see and breathe while the rest of the body is submerged in water. Unlike other reptiles, they have external ears that close, as do the nostrils when crocodilians dive. Another adaptation for life in water is the third eyelid, a membrane that covers the eyes while diving underwater, thus protecting the eyes from the effects of water without losing the ability to see. By appearance You can't tell the sex of a crocodile. The male has a penis, but it is only temporarily removed mating season. All crocodilians have a leathery growth at the back of the throat that blocks water from reaching the respiratory organs when the animal is under water. This allows you to keep the mouth open underwater without the risk of choking. Crocodiles swallow small stones that settle in their stomach and help grind food. According to some researchers, the pebbles in the stomach serve the crocodile as a ballast. Total teeth 64-68.

Color: Young Nile crocodiles are dark olive and brown in color with a black cross pattern on the body and tail. In adults, the pattern fades and becomes paler

The size: The Nile crocodile reaches a length of up to 5 meters (according to some reports up to 6 meters). There is evidence that the Nile crocodiles living in the southern regions of Africa (in countries with a cooler climate) reach smaller sizes - up to 4 meters. There are two varieties of dwarf Nile crocodiles found in Malawi and the Sahara Desert. Because of adverse conditions, these species reach sizes of 2-3 meters.
The cubs that have just hatched from eggs are about 28 cm long, by the end of the first year of life they reach 60 cm, by two years - 90 cm, at 5 years old - 1.7 m, at 10 years old - 2.3 m and at 20 years old - 3.75 m

Weight: 272-910 kg.

Lifespan: More than 50 years.

Voice: The Nile crocodile is capable of emitting a cry that looks like a dull moo. He screams only when he is very excited. Young crocodiles, recently hatched from an egg, make a peculiar croaking sound, reminiscent of the cheerful chirping of frogs.

Habitat: Inhabits a wide variety of water bodies: lakes, rivers, freshwater swamps, reservoirs with brackish water. It most often settles outside forests, but also enters forest reservoirs.

Enemies: Young Nile crocodiles can be attacked by goliath herons, marabou,. There are known cases of the death of fairly large crocodiles from. For adult crocodiles, the main enemy is man.

Food: The food of the Nile crocodile is very varied and changes with age. Teenagers feed on small aquatic and, as they grow, large vertebrates are added to the diet. Individuals about 2.5 m long feed on mollusks, and even larger ones feed on fish, reptiles, and mammals. Adult Nile crocodiles may attack such large mammals like buffaloes and even though fish and small vertebrates make up the bulk of their diet.

Behavior: Nile crocodiles spend the night in the water, and by sunrise they go out to the shallows and bask in the sun. Midday, the hottest hours are spent in the water, with the exception of cloudy days. In windy, inclement weather, the animals spend the night on the shore. The maximum duration of stay under water for crocodiles up to 1 m long is about 40 minutes; larger individuals can be under water for much longer. Crocodiles swim with the help of their powerful paddle-like tail. Only the hind legs are webbed, but they are rarely used for moving underwater. On land, the crocodile moves on short, seemingly weak legs. When walking, he puts his paws close to the body, and rises above the ground. Sometimes they move at a gallop, like. At the same time, they lean on their front paws, and the hind legs are carried out beyond the front ones, transferring the weight of the body to them and then throwing their hind legs forward. The speed that Nile crocodiles can reach when galloping is 29 US miles per hour. Adults can migrate far from their habitats when they grow up to 1.2 meters. An adult crocodile, as a rule, does not move away from the water, and only when its reservoir dries up, it rushes in search of a new home. At this time, many crocodiles die without reaching their goal.
When hunting for fish, the crocodile beats with its tail in order to frighten and stun it, it swallows the stunned fish. Sometimes crocodiles cooperate for hunting, for example, one crocodile blocks off an area of ​​water in order to increase the concentration of fish in it.

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It lives in Africa, and is the largest African crocodile. He prefers to settle along the shores of lakes, rivers and swamps. The dark green color with a brown tone makes this handsome man almost invisible in the waters of his habitat. Who said crocodiles are scary? Many people consider them attractive and good creatures.

Body length from 4 to 6 meters.Such a giant can weigh 750 kilograms. Its scaly skin is covered in bony plates. There are also receptors on the skin that respond to changes in water pressure.

It has a long muzzle and powerful jaws with sharp, conical teeth. Up to 68 teeth in the mouth, up to 38 in the upper jaw, and up to 30 teeth in the lower jaw. The legs are short but strong. A reptile can jump 10 meters! Record holder! There are five fingers on the forelimbs. There are four on the hind legs, which are interconnected by a membrane.

On land, he walks slowly, but if necessary, he can run quickly, reaching speeds of up to 13 km / h. In the water, he seems to feel much better, and spends most of his life there. It dives into the water for about three minutes, although without air it can last about 30 minutes. It is an excellent swimmer thanks to its long tail and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h.

The crocodile has excellent hearing, its calm eyes are equipped with a protective third eyelid, which does not cause irritation in the water. The nostrils are at the top of the nasal tubercle. It feeds on fish and everyone who is not cautiously met on its way. Here is a large list, let's call it briefly, groups:, reptiles,. A very successful hunt is obtained at the watering place, where many animals come to quench their thirst.


A hunter in a frozen pose can sit for hours in water or bushes, and then attack the victim. If the prey is too large, he tries to drag it under water. He will eat a choked and wounded animal, tearing pieces from the flesh. Other reptiles can also join the meal. And although the Nile crocodile is more of a loner, at its core, this is allowed. He does not know how to chew, so he swallows the pieces whole. Like many other animals, he attacks people, protecting his territory and his offspring.

Satiated crocodile for a long time can do without food. When the time for mating comes, the males begin to scream loudly, slap the water with their muzzle, thereby attracting females. These giants can purr and snort. Females choose larger males. Having found each other, they gently rub their "faces" and even emit melodic trills.


It will take two months after mating, and the female will come out on land. She will find a secluded place, dig a hole in the sand and lay her eggs in a hard white shell (up to 60 eggs). Having carefully buried the masonry, it will remain close to the precious place. Dad can also take part in waiting for offspring, guarding future cubs.

No matter how hard parents try to protect their future offspring, sometimes they fail. When it's too hot, you need to plunge into the water, and you want to have a snack. That's just a bite to eat and other animals want (lizards,).In the absence of protection, egg clutches are ruthlessly ruined, and, of course, eaten. Mom returns to the place, and there are only shells. I feel very sorry for the mother of the crocodile, she looks so confused and sad...

Well, if 90 days have passed safely, then having heard a squeak, the mother digs a hole and helps her babies to be born, carefully biting the egg. Many crocodiles still get out of the shell themselves. The length of the newborn is 30 cm. A loving and caring mother collects the babies in her mouth and takes them to shallow water, where a lot of grass grows. The female will look after the children for two years. Then the grown cub must find its territory.

Babies will eat first insects and aquatic. Then they will learn how to hunt small fish. Comprehending skill and acquiring life skills, crocodiles grow rapidly. In a year their length is 60 cm, and in two years they have a length of 1.2 meters. But only the most dexterous, the strongest, and probably the most cunning will survive. The young can be eaten by herons, eagles, and many other animals. Even adult crocodiles can swallow their relative.

Nile crocodiles live in nature for 50-100 years.

  • Class - Reptiles
  • Squad - Crocodiles
  • Family - Real crocodiles
  • Rod - Real crocodiles
  • Species - Nile crocodile