Fun Facts for Kids: Nile Crocodiles

Described on the "National Geographic" website as "primordial brutes," crocodiles have been around for over 200 million years. Scientists have uncovered secrets about the crocodile, finding mummified crocodiles and crocodile eggs in Egyptian tombs. The Nile crocodile is Africa's largest crocodile, and since it sometimes does not distinguish between prey, it has a reputation as a vicious man-eater.

  1. Physical Characteristics

    • The Nile crocodile's color blends into its surrounding.

      The Nile crocodile reaches a maximum size of 20 feet and 1,650 pounds. Their typical size, however, is 16 feet and 500 pounds. Nile crocodiles live up to 45 years in the wild, while they sometimes live to be 80 years old in captivity. Nile crocodiles are dark metallic brown with black spots along their backs and tails. Their eyes are green and they have long, strong tails and short legs.

    Diet

    • Fighting over its prey.

      At the top of the food chain, the Nile crocodile doesn't lack dietary variety. It eats fish and both small and large land animals, such as buffalo, antelope, large cats and young hippos. The Nile crocodile has a gular pouch that keeps water out, allowing it to eat underwater.

    Habitat

    • The habitat of the Nile crocodile includes sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar's rivers, mangrove swamps, freshwater marshes and the Nile basin. Floating papyrus creates 30-foot caves, which the Nile crocodile often hides beneath. Nile crocs cope with hot and cold weather by using their feet and snout to create a muddy den. Encounters with people are frequent since their habitat is close to human territory. The "National Geographic" website estimates that up to 200 people a year die in croc attacks.

    Breeding

    • The male croc tries to attract the female croc by hitting its snout against the water and bellowing. Growling and grunting, he often will breathe in water and spray it back out again. The croc courtship involves the two rubbing together the undersides of their jaws and making warbling sounds. About two months after mating, the female croc lays her eggs. She finds a secluded area to make her nest by digging a den in a dry streambed, riverbank or shoreline. The mom croc lays between 25 to 80 eggs, and she'll guard the nest for the three-month incubation period. The male remains close to keep away predators. When the baby crocs are ready to hatch, they make a high-pitched warning sound and the mom croc moves aside the dirt, freeing the baby crocs. Putting them in her mouth, she takes them to the water for their first swim.

    • Nile crocodile young grow up protected.

      Amazingly, these fear-inspiring creatures are devoted parents. Unlike other reptilian parents, the Nile crocodiles protect their eggs and young --- up to two years for the young.