# Nile Crocodile (*Crocodylus niloticus*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Rivers, lakes, and wetlands across sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile basin.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/nile-crocodile/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Crocodilia
- **Family:** Crocodylidae
- **Genus:** Crocodylus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Crocodylus niloticus |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| Habitat | Rivers, lakes, and wetlands |
| Lifespan | 70–100 years |
| Length | Up to 5 m (16 ft) |
| Weight | Up to 750 kg (1,650 lb) |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Size and physical power

The Nile crocodile is the largest freshwater predator in Africa, with big males reaching up to 5 m (16 ft) in length and weighing up to about 750 kg (1,650 lb). Its body is built around ambush and power: a heavily armoured back, a muscular tail that drives it through water, and jaws that deliver one of the strongest measured bites of any living animal. The eyes, ears, and nostrils sit on top of the head, letting the crocodile watch and breathe while almost fully submerged. Conical teeth grip rather than chew, holding struggling prey fast.

## Hunting and diet

Nile crocodiles are carnivores and opportunistic ambush hunters, lying still at the water's edge until prey comes within reach. They take fish, birds, and mammals, and large adults are capable of pulling down animals as big as zebra, buffalo, and wildebeest at river crossings. A crocodile grabs its victim and often drags it underwater, using a spinning "death roll" to subdue and dismember large prey. Because they cannot chew, they tear off chunks by twisting, and can go for long periods between meals thanks to a slow metabolism.

## On land and in water

Crocodiles are far more agile in water than on land, swimming with powerful sweeps of the tail and steering with their webbed feet. On land they usually move in a sprawling walk but can manage bursts of speed up to around 30 km/h over short distances, especially when lunging from the bank. They spend much of the day basking to regulate body temperature, mouth held open to shed heat, then become more active as ambush hunters around dawn, dusk, and night. Being cold-blooded, they rely on the sun and water to control their temperature.

## Nesting and young

Female Nile crocodiles dig nest holes in sandy banks and lay their eggs there, then guard the site closely for around three months until the young hatch. Unusually among reptiles, the mother responds to the calls of the hatchlings and helps them to the water, sometimes gently carrying them in her mouth. The temperature of the nest determines whether the eggs develop as males or females. Despite this care, hatchlings are tiny and vulnerable, and only a small fraction survive the many predators of their first years.

## Danger to humans

The Nile crocodile is responsible for a significant number of attacks on people each year, more than most other crocodilian species, because it is large, aggressive, and shares rivers and lakes where communities collect water. Its ambush strategy means victims often have no warning before the strike. Attacks are most frequent where people fish, bathe, or draw water at the same places crocodiles hunt. This conflict shapes how people living alongside them manage the risk.

## Conservation and status

After heavy hunting for skins reduced numbers through the twentieth century, the Nile crocodile has recovered across much of its range under protection and regulated management, and the IUCN now lists it as Least Concern. Populations remain healthy in many rivers, lakes, and wetlands of sub-Saharan Africa, though local declines persist where habitat is lost or conflict is intense. These long-lived reptiles can survive 70 to 100 years, growing slowly throughout their lives. Sustainable farming and trade of skins now supports conservation in several countries.

## Frequently asked questions

### How big do Nile crocodiles get?

Large Nile crocodiles reach up to 5 m (16 ft) in length and can weigh up to about 750 kg (1,650 lb). Males grow larger than females, and the biggest individuals are among the largest crocodiles in the world.

### What do Nile crocodiles eat?

They are carnivores that ambush prey from the water's edge. Their diet ranges from fish and birds to large mammals such as zebra, buffalo, and wildebeest caught at river crossings.

### How fast can a Nile crocodile move?

In water they are fast and agile, driven by the tail. On land they can manage short bursts of up to around 30 km/h, usually as a sudden lunge from the bank rather than a sustained chase.

### How long do Nile crocodiles live?

They are very long-lived, commonly surviving 70 to 100 years. They grow slowly throughout their lives, so the largest individuals are also among the oldest.

### Are Nile crocodiles dangerous to humans?

Yes. The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous crocodilians to people and is responsible for many attacks each year, largely because it shares the rivers and lakes where communities fish, bathe, and collect water.

### Are Nile crocodiles endangered?

No. After past overhunting for their skins, populations have recovered under protection and regulated management, and the IUCN lists the species as Least Concern across most of its range.

## Sources

- Isberg, S. et al. (2019). Crocodylus niloticus. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- The Reptile Database (reptile-database.org).
- [Animal Diversity Web — Crocodylus niloticus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Crocodylus_niloticus/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/nile-crocodile/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.