{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Taxon",
  "slug": "nile-crocodile",
  "name": "Nile Crocodile",
  "scientificName": "Crocodylus niloticus",
  "category": "Reptile",
  "summary": "The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is Africa's largest crocodilian and one of the continent's most formidable predators, living in rivers, lakes, and wetlands across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Large adults reach up to 5 m (16 ft) and can weigh up to about 750 kg (1,650 lb), ambushing prey with an explosive lunge and one of the strongest bites in the animal kingdom. These long-lived reptiles can survive 70 to 100 years. The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern.",
  "conservationStatus": "Least Concern",
  "taxonomy": {
    "kingdom": "Animalia",
    "phylum": "Chordata",
    "class": "Reptilia",
    "order": "Crocodilia",
    "family": "Crocodylidae",
    "genus": "Crocodylus"
  },
  "stats": {
    "weightKg": 410,
    "lengthM": 5,
    "topSpeedKmh": 30,
    "lifespanYears": 80
  },
  "facts": [
    {
      "label": "Scientific name",
      "value": "Crocodylus niloticus"
    },
    {
      "label": "Diet",
      "value": "Carnivore"
    },
    {
      "label": "Habitat",
      "value": "Rivers, lakes, and wetlands"
    },
    {
      "label": "Lifespan",
      "value": "70–100 years"
    },
    {
      "label": "Length",
      "value": "Up to 5 m (16 ft)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Weight",
      "value": "Up to 750 kg (1,650 lb)"
    },
    {
      "label": "Conservation status",
      "value": "Least Concern (IUCN)"
    }
  ],
  "range": {
    "nativeRange": "Rivers, lakes, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile basin.",
    "continents": [
      "Africa"
    ]
  },
  "sources": [
    {
      "citation": "Isberg, S. et al. (2019). Crocodylus niloticus. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "The Reptile Database (reptile-database.org).",
      "url": null
    },
    {
      "citation": "Animal Diversity Web — Crocodylus niloticus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.",
      "url": "https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crocodylus_niloticus/"
    }
  ],
  "lastReviewed": "2026-07-16",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/nile-crocodile/",
  "license": {
    "name": "CC BY-NC 4.0",
    "url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/",
    "attribution": "Global Animal Guide — https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/nile-crocodile/",
    "note": "Free to reuse for non-commercial purposes with attribution and a link back to the canonical page."
  }
}