| |
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
