Nile Crocodile [Crocodylus niloticus]
Description
The Nile Crocodile is an African crocodile, the largest freshwater predator in Africa, and may be considered the second-largest extant reptile and crocodilian in the world, after the saltwater crocodile. The Nile crocodile is quite widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occurring mostly in the central, eastern, and southern regions of the continent and lives in different types of aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers and marshlands. It has a dark bronze colouration and darkens as the animal matures. The flanks, which are yellowish green in colour, have dark patches arranged in oblique stripes. It has a very aggressive nature and is known for its tendency to attack humans who encroach on its territory.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Chordates
Chordata
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Reptiles
Reptilia
|
| Order |
Saltwater Crocodiles
Crocodylia
|
| Family |
True Crocodiles
Crocodylidae
|
| Genus |
Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
|