Crocodylus niloticus cowiei

(Smith, 1937)

Vernacular names

English : Nile crocodile
French : Crocodile du Nil

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Crocodylidae
Notes : 5 other subspecies known.

Identification

The species can reach up to 6 meters but specimens are usually smaller. Armored body, long and fairly broad head with powerful jaws. Coloration variable, from grey to olive-beige with faint dark markings. Yellow belly.

Range and habitat

The species occurs in the Nile valley and most of subsaharan Africa. This subspecies occurs in southern parts of the range. Lives in lakes, rivers, swamps and brackish waters.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species remains locally fairly common in the wild but some isolated populations (North Africa, Madagascar) may be threatened.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation