The Reptiles of africa

Crocodile

Crocodiles are the largest reptiles in Africa and are found in many of the major waterways of the continent.

General

Crocodiles are of the oldest of animals on earth, even predating the dinosaurs. How they survived the dinosaur era may be explained in their ability to slow their metabolism down to almost zero and thus not have to feed for lengthy periods, for up to two years in some cases.

Killers

Official statistics state that hippos are the greatest killers of humans in Africa every year after malaria but it is generally believed that crocodiles claim more lives, the difference been that most crocodile attacks are not reported as they occur in remote areas.

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Crocodile open their mouths when basking in the sun as a means of thermo-regulation.

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A crocodiles jaws are of the strongest in the animal kingdom.

There are crocodiles in the rivers of east Africa that feed once a year for a few days when the annual migration of wildebeest and zebra passes through. These crocodiles are also some of the largest in Africa, indicating the survival capabilities of the creatures. It was once believed that crocodile preferred rotting meat but this is known to be untrue as most the food they eat is fresh.

Mating and baby care

When mating crocodiles create a huge noise where the males beat the water with their tails and make strange sounds. The female lays eggs in a hole she has dug and then both sexes will protect the nests from intruders such as monitor lizards and humans. When the young hatch after about three months the mother will lead them to the water and keep a close watch over them.