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African Crocodile - Crocodylus niloticus
Crocodiles are tropical reptiles. They
are thick skinned and lizard-like in shape. Adult crocodiles grow to between
2.5 m and 4.2 m. The African crocodile is recognisable by its narrow snout.
It has three or four rows of protective scales on the back of its neck,
which merge with the scales on its back (other members of the Crocodylus
genus have only two rows of scales). The fourth tooth of the African crocodile’s
lower jaw sits outside the crocodile’s lips even when its mouth
is closed.
Crocodiles are found primarily in freshwater rivers that have dense vegetation
cover. They can also be found in large lakes. Crocodiles are most at home
in the water, but are able to travel on land.
Crocodiles are carnivores. They use their sharp teeth for catching and
holding their prey. Their diet is thought to consist primarily of fish
and small aquatic invertebrates. Young crocodiles feed on worms and insects.
While adults eat frogs, tadpoles, and opportunistically on larger prey
if it becomes available including humans.
The African crocodile is generally not found in groups, except during
the onset of the breeding season. At the onset of the rainy season female
crocodiles construct nests out of plant matter on the banks of rivers,
although breeding occurs year-round. Female African crocodiles lay between
13 to 27 eggs about a week after they have finished building their nests.
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The female remains close to the nest
for the 110 day incubation period, but does not defend it quite as ferociously
as many other species of crocodile. Once the eggs begin to hatch, and
the hatchlings emit their characteristic chirping, the female breaks open
the nest to assist in the hatching process. Predators of the hatchlings
include the soft-shelled turtle, but most young African crocodiles survive
to maturity.
Although the African crocodile does not have many natural predators, the
crocodile population is declining due to over-hunting by man. Areas where
the crocodile population is severely depleted, if not entirely wiped out
include Angola, Chad, The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia,
Congo and Togo. The largest population stronghold exists in Gabon. Habitat
destruction has also contributed to the population depletion.
Poorly-enforced protection exists for the remaining populations, although
some countries allow regulated hunting. Before significant action can
be taken in conserving the crocodile population, studies on ecology, population
dynamics and status need to be undertaken – which is difficult in
areas subject to political instability. |
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