Africa is one of the largest continents in terms of area, rich in various flora and fauna. It's no secret that dangerous reptiles - crocodiles - live here. There are several types of them on the mainland, which will be discussed later.
West African crocodile
It is also called deserted. It is one of 4 species of African crocodiles. Due to its external similarity, it is often confused with the Nile. The difference between them was discovered in 1807 by the French zoologist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire.
The habitat of the African crocodile is Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Niger, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and many other places where they can meet with their Nile counterparts.
As for their way of life, these reptiles feed on fish and invertebrates in particular, but they can also afford larger animals. African crocodiles 5 meters long can easily attack big cats and manatees, which are also found in their diet. There were cases of their attacks on people andpets.
They live in caves, and during bad weather, such as a rainy day, they gather in a pond or reservoirs.
A bit of history
God Sebek, who was worshiped by the inhabitants of Ancient Egypt, had the head of a crocodile and was a symbol of the pharaoh's power. The Egyptians did not always get along with their patron and sometimes allowed themselves to hunt local crocodiles. They also used spells so as not to provoke the wrath of these reptiles. According to the Egyptians, West African crocodiles were smarter and calmer than the Nile, so they were used in various rituals.
Currently, the Mauritanians protect the African crocodiles living here, because it is believed: without them, the water will disappear. After all, it is in it that they spend most of their lives.
African narrow-nosed crocodile
It got its name due to the narrow muzzle, which makes it look like the Orinoco crocodile that lives in the north of South America. The average length of the body of a reptile is 2.5 meters, but there are individuals 4 meters long. They are sometimes called armored crocodiles due to the fusion of bony plates with scales on their backs.
The diet of these reptiles includes aquatic invertebrates and fish, as well as some large prey.
Themselves are loners, but during the mating period they gather in groups. African crocodile females build nests right next to the water, which allows the hatched cubs to get to it as soon as possible. caring aboutReptiles do not show offspring, but the percentage of survival of the cubs is quite high due to the large size of the eggs and the long incubation period.
The African narrow-nosed crocodile lives exclusively in water areas. Distributed for the most part in the waters of West Africa, on the coast of Cameroon and on the island of Bioko. Approximately there are about 50 thousand individuals of this species, but this figure is declining every year due to hunting and habitat reduction. Crocodile conservation efforts are underway, but unstable politics in parts of Africa are making it difficult.
Bumpy crocodile
The smallest member of the crocodile order. The maximum body length is 1.9 meters. The description of the African crocodile can be attributed to the black color, which turns into yellow on the stomach. The small size of the reptile endangers it: the crocodile can become prey for larger predators. However, it is adapted to survive thanks to its heavily armored body and tail.
The crocodile's blunt face became the basis for its name.
It lives mainly in the waters of West Africa.
Reptile is active at night. The diet includes vertebrates, snails and small carrion. He likes to hide in holes he digs near the shore.
Female crocodile lays eggs during the rainy season, in mid-June. The incubation period lasts up to 105 days. The young are born in nests made by the female from rotting materials. Beforehatching, the mother guards the eggs from predators.
People hunt these crocodiles for meat and leather, which is very little valued due to low quality, which significantly reduces the number of animals every year.
Nile crocodile
The largest of all species found in Africa. It has a large build, which allows the African crocodile to prey on animals such as rhinos, giraffes and buffaloes. He is also called a cannibal.
He has short legs, a long heavy tail, and his skin is covered with characteristic scales. Near the eyes there are special glands that secrete fluid. The special arrangement of the nostrils, ears and eyes allows the crocodile to completely go under the water, leaving them on the surface. Coloring allows you to disguise.
Reptiles often measure over 5 meters.
During the mating season, the crocodile attracts the female with blows on the water or sounds peculiar only to him. Both parents guard the offspring at all costs.
The Nile crocodile poses a huge danger to humans, killing hundreds of them almost every year. Although it is believed that they do not attack without a reason, but only when they sense a threat to themselves or their offspring.
Where do crocodiles of this species live
Nile crocodiles like to be located on the banks of rivers and lakes, they are also found in s alt water. They can be found in Morocco, Zanzibar, Madagascar and many other places. Animals are common in many countries of the South and EastAfrica (Kenya, Ethiopia).
