The Nile crocodile is Africa’s largest predator and second largest reptile in the world after the saltwater crocodile (crocodylus porosus). Very present in various African cultures, the Nile crocodile is the most common crocodile in Africa and one of the most abondant crocodilian species on the planet.
Although often perceived as inert, mouth-gaping baskers, nile crocodiles are very agile and efficient hunters. They are perfect ambush predators, tracking their preys underwater and waiting for the good moment to strike. Their powerful bite, sharp conical teeth and brute strength enable them to take down large animals easily either by drowning them or tearing them apart. Being opportunistic, nile crocodiles are know to attack humans and cause many fatalities every year.

Nile crocodiles have been proven rather social, sharing feeding and resting grounds in groups where the largest individuals are on top of the hierarchy. The mother crocodile is especially protective of its nest and will take care of its babies until they are big enough to protect themselves. Their large array of preys makes these crocodiles a keystone species in the regulation of the aquatic food web and their ecosystem structure. It was also recently discovered that Nile crocodiles, alongside other crocodiles species, do play a role in the seed dispersal of various fruit tree species.