West african crocodile
A species of Crocodiles, Also known as Sacred crocodile Scientific name : Crocodylus suchus Genus : Crocodiles
West african crocodile, A species of Crocodiles
Also known as:
Sacred crocodile
Scientific name: Crocodylus suchus
Genus: Crocodiles
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Marco Schmidt , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The West African crocodile or desert crocodile (Crocodylus suchus) is a species of crocodile related to â and often confused with â the larger and more aggressive Nile crocodile (C. niloticus).
General Info
Lifespan
70-80 years
Diet
West african crocodile is predominantly a carnivore, specializing in a diet of fish and small mammals. It employs an ambush hunting strategy, exploiting its aquatic habitat to surprise and capture prey. The diet is occasionally supplemented with birds and reptiles.
Appearance
West african crocodile is a large, robust reptile characterized by its tough, scaly skin and elongated, V-shaped snout filled with sharp teeth. It has an olive-green to grey coloration, noticeably darker on the back and lighter on the belly. Its large, powerful tail is designed for swift swimming, while its webbed feet aid in navigating aquatic environments. No significant variation in appearance exists due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
West african crocodile is predominantly a solitary, territorial species who tend to mark and fiercely protect their territories. Their behavior is influenced by their aquatic lifestyle, comprising feeding primarily on fish, aquatic invertebrates and small mammals. Remarkably, they are known for their unique crocodilian 'bellowing' behavior, emitting low-frequency sounds to demarcate territory and signal mating readiness.
Photo By Marco Schmidt , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Crocodilians Family
Crocodiles Genus
Crocodiles Species
West african crocodile