The Croc Heavyweight

A Nile crocodile photographed in Madagascar. 

These wide-ranging predators are one of three crocodilian species found in Africa.  They are also the largest, reaching lengths of up to 18 feet, and weighing up to a ton. 

Formidable predators, Nile crocs can ambush everything from zebras to wildebeest, but also eat much smaller prey including a variety of fish species. 

Their status in the wild remains fairly stable, following a long period of hunting during the last century for their skin, which can be turned into fine leather.  National and international laws and treaties have allowed numbers to rebound in many areas.

• Image: Nile Crocodile Skull
• Video: Hot Crocodile Problem