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Crocodile

The crocodile is a fearsome reptile that exudes danger and terror for most living creatures on earth.

Visitors to the Kruger National Park are in for a treat as they are afforded a unique opportunity to witness these animals in their natural habitat. The crocodile found in the Kruger Park is one that is commonly found throughout Africa – the Nile Crocodile. The crocodile is believed to be nearly 200 million years old and has seemingly changed very little since the time of the dinosaur; whereas the dinosaur became extinct some 65 million years ago, the crocodile has managed to survive numerous extinction events.

The crocodile is instantly recognizable as its skin is covered in horny plates that are both keeled and bony. The crocodile can reach a length of 600cm, with a particular specie on display in the Kruger Park nearing 500cm. The crocodile’s body is designed to complement its eating habits with their preferred prey being dependent on the stage of life they are in currently. Younger crocs prefer to hunt in swamp-like areas and feed on fish and small-sized mammals; older members, however, are likely to chase after larger animals by seizing them from the water with a quick, murderous swipe to the head.

In this instance, the crocodile’s mammoth tail is used as an offensive weapon as it makes up 40% of the their entire body length. It is also not unusual to see crocodiles taking human beings as prey, making them amongst the most dangerous creatures on the planets. The crocodile is known as an ambush hunter and it tends to wait for its prey – fish and land animals – to come close to it before pouncing on them. Because they are cold-blooded and lethargic predators they can survive for long periods without actively hunting and can therefore go without food.

Crocodiles are largely protected around the world, but they are also subjected to commercial farming where their hides in particular are used to make handbags and shoes, whilst crocodile meat is considered a delicacy in various parts of the world.