Nile crocodile

Scientific name: Crocodylus niloticus

How weight is recorded: Whole weight

Field notes

Appearance

Robust reptile with coarse-grained grey-brown skin that darkens with age. Characteristic V-shaped snout and powerful jaws; males are notably larger than females.

Size and weight

Adult males weigh 225–450 kg and reach 4.2–5.2 m in length; females typically weigh 150–300 kg and measure 3.5–4.0 m.

Habitat

Nile crocodiles inhabit freshwater bodies such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands from lowland to moderate elevations. They favor areas with dense riparian vegetation and reliable water sources.

Distribution

Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa in all major river and lake systems, with the densest populations in East African waterways and the Zambezi Basin.

Diet

Primarily fish, small birds, and mammals; larger individuals hunt large ungulates such as zebra, wildebeest, and antelope, especially at waterholes.

Behaviour

Predominantly diurnal but also hunts at dusk. Territorial around their basking pools; males aggressively defend shoreline territories.

Hunting tips

Search for deep slime trails and drag marks in shoreline mud, and droppings on rocks and sandbars. Approach slowly through vegetation with the wind in your face; crocodiles often rest partially submerged near the water's edge at dawn. Success comes from remaining motionless on small boats or from shore when animals are basking passively.

Whole weight

This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.

Where it is hunted

Listed as huntable in 12 countries in Huntify.

Names in other languages

These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.