Nile crocodile

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Nile crocodile

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is an African crocodile. The Nile crocodile is the largest crocodilian in Africa and is sometimes regarded as the second-largest crocodilian after the saltwater crocodile. The male crocodile usually measure from 3.5 to 5 metres (11 to 16 ft) long, but very old, mature ones can grow to 5.5 m (18 ft) or more. Nile crocodiles have a dark bronze colouration above, with black spots on the back and a dirty purple on the belly. The flanks, which are yellowish-green in colour, have dark patches arranged in oblique stripes.
Nile crocodiles prey on humans frequently, far more often than other crocodilian species. It is estimated that each year hundreds of people die from crocodile attacks in Africa – many of these attacks are never reported in the media.