Nile Crocodile Flashcards
What is the scientific name of the Nile crocodile?
Crocodylus niloticus
What is the range and habitat of the Nile crocodile?
It is found in southern, central, and eastern Africa in lakes, rivers, and marshlands.
True or false, the Nile crocodile is fond of saltwater environments.
False.
Where have Nile crocodiles been extirpated?
The Nile delta.
How long is the average Nile crocodile?
13 - 16 feet long.
What is the absolute longest Nile crocodiles can get?
Over 20 feet
How heavy are Nile crocodiles?
Between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds
What do Nile crocodiles eat?
Fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
What is the difference between a generalist species and a specialist species?
Generalist species, like raccoons, can eat many foods and adapt to many habitats. Specialist species, like koalas, will only eat one or a select few and have a restricted ability to adapt.
How do Nile crocodiles hunt?
They spend a very long time (Up to weeks) sitting in the water or nearby the water waiting for prey to come close enough, and then ambush it. They will then drown their prey and tear it apart.
Are Nile crocodiles social?
Yes. They share basking spots and large pieces of food.
Who is at the top of the crocodile hierarchy and are they often challenged?
Old males are at the top and they are not often challenged. Crocodiles know their place.
What is the conservation status of the Nile crocodile?
Least concern.
What does crocodylus mean in Greek?
Pebble worm.
What is the Swahili word for crocodile?
Mamba.
Are crocodiles that live in swamps or swift rivers lighter?
Swamps.
What are some adaptions of the Nile crocodile?
Powerful tail for swimming.
Nictating membrane,
Who is the largest, deadliest Nile crocodile alive today?
Gustave.
Why are there fewer giant crocodiles today?
Smaller populations and reduction of wetland habitat.
What species of crocodile was once considered a subspecies of the Nile crocodile?
The west African crocodile.
What kind of habitat has the Nile crocodile adapted to by living in Madagascar?
Caves.
How long can the Nile crocodile hold its breath?
Normally thirty minutes, but if it goes inactive, it can stay under for two hours.
How fast can Nile crocodiles run?
7 - 8 miles an hour.
How fast can Nile crocodiles swim?
Up to 22 mph.
How many teeth do crocodiles have?
64 - 68
What is the speculated lifespan of the Nile crocodile?
70 - 100 years
What is the speculated bite force of a crocodile?
5,000 pounds per square inch.
What do young Nile crocodiles eat?
Small fish, invertebrates, and frogs.
True or false, Nile crocodiles attack more humans than any other species of crocodile.
True.
How long are Nile crocodiles when they reach sexual maturity?
Males: 10 feet
Females: 6 to 8 feet
How do male Nile crocodiles attract females?
Bellowing, slapping the water, and otherwise vocalizing.
What is the gestation period of the Nile crocodile?
Two months.
How many eggs does the Nile crocodile lay?
Between 20 and 80
What is unusual about the nest of the Nile crocodile?
It is in sand rather than rotting vegetation.
What is the temperature range for male Nile crocodiles to be born?
89 - 94 degrees
True or false, unlike many crocodillians, Nile crocodiles are not good parents.
False.
How long are baby Nile crocodiles at birth?
One foot
How long are baby Nile crocodiles when they leave their mother?
4 feet.
What is the current population of Nile crocodiles?
500,000
What are some threats to the survival of the Nile crocodile?
Hunting for leather, pollution, and loss of habitat.
What is sympatry?
When two species live in the same area and as such, frequently encounter each other.
What is a creche?
When multiple animals in a group work to raise a young one.
Do Nile crocodiles form creches?
Yes.
How many people has Gustave the Nile crocodile killed?
300
What will Nile crocodiles sometimes do to soften prey?
They will leave it underwater for a while.
What is Gustave’s most noticeable trait?
He has three bullet scars.
When were Nile crocodiles most severely hunted?
1940 - 1960
