Nile Crocodileナイルワニ

Crocodylus niloticusLC— Least Concern

The Nile crocodile is one of the largest living crocodilian species, ranging across sub-Saharan Africa and an isolated population in Madagascar. A powerful ambush predator with a bite force among the strongest of any living animal, it feeds on fish, birds, mammals, and even other crocodiles, though only about 1% of hatchlings survive to adulthood. Revered in ancient Egypt as the god Sobek and sometimes mummified, it remains a culturally significant apex predator throughout its range.

Nile Crocodile (reference photo)
Photo: Bernard DUPONT / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Source / cropped

Species Data

Classification
Crocodilia / Crocodylidae Source
Size
Total length 400–550 cm, with some individuals exceeding 6 m
Weight
Males 225–750 kg, with the largest individuals exceeding 1,000 kg; females are roughly 30% smaller than males
Lifespan
Potential maximum lifespan is put at 70–100 years, but few wild individuals exceed 50–60 years
Diet
Carnivore Carnivorous, feeding mainly on fish and frogs, as well as birds, mammals such as porcupines, and even other crocodiles
Activity
A relatively sedentary species that often basks from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on sunny days
Distribution
Found across sub-Saharan Africa in 26 nations, excluding most of West Africa, plus an isolated population in Madagascar. Source

Did You Know?

  • Its bite force reaches about 22 kN, among the strongest of any living animal, yet only about 1% of hatchlings survive to adulthood. Source
  • Sex is determined by incubation temperature, with males only hatching within a narrow range of 31.7 to 34.5°C. Source
  • Ancient Egyptians worshipped the crocodile as the god Sobek, and Nile crocodiles were sometimes mummified after death and offered at temples. Source

Where to See This Species

Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1

Conservation Story

Conservation Status

Least Concern (LC)

Sources

ja.wikipedia.org

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FAQ

How big can a Nile crocodile get?
Adult males typically reach 3.5 to 5 meters and 225 to 750 kg, though specimens exceeding 6 meters and 1,000 kg have been documented; females run about 30% smaller than males. Source
How strong is a Nile crocodile's bite?
Its bite force reaches approximately 22 kilonewtons (about 5,000 lbf), placing it among the strongest bites of any living animal. Source
Were Nile crocodiles important in ancient Egyptian culture?
Yes. Ancient Egyptians worshipped the crocodile as the god Sobek, and Nile crocodiles were sometimes mummified after death and dedicated at temples. Source
How many operating facilities are registered here?
Operating facilities registered on this site: Japan 1 Source

Books & gear

Source: ja.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org