NILE CROCODILE by Stuart Dodsworth
Crocodylus niloticus
Distribution
This species of Crocodile has a wide distribution. Due to this many
subspecies have been suggested. This Crocodile is absent from areas
north of the Sahara Desert and from the far south of South Africa. It
is also present in Madagascar. There are currently seven subspecies
recognized and these are Crocodylus niloticus niloticus, Crocodylus
niloticus africanus, Crocodylus niloticus chamses, Crocodylus niloticus
cowiei, Crocodylus niloticus madagascariensis, Crocodylus niloticus
pauciscutatus and Crocodylus niloticus suchus. Some specimens from more
arid areas brumate in deep burrows during the dry season.
Size
Nile Crocodiles tend to average around 5m (16½ft) in length,
however 6m (20ft) individuals are still said to occur occasionally.
Due to its large size this species is really not suitable for maintenance
outside of zoos.
Diet
Juvenile Nile Crocodiles eat mainly small fish, amphibians, crustaceans,
insects and snails. Adults are opportunistic and will eat large mammals,
birds, fish, crustaceans, reptiles, etc and carrion.
Therefore the captive diet for adults should be kept as varied as possible.
This can include; various types of fish, rats, rabbits, chickens, turkeys,
crabs, raw beef, piglets, etc.
Nile Crocodiles have been known to attack and kill humans in the wild,
due to this reason captive specimens should only be maintained in zoological
displays.
Requirements
· Heat Source:- This can be either reflector spot lights in green
or red. Ceramic or tubular heaters can also be used dependant on the
size of the enclosure. AHS Heaters can be used to maintain background
temperature in some of the larger enclosures.
· UV Light Source:- Nile Crocodiles require a Reptisun 10.0 UVB
lamp. The new UV powerbulbs are also excellent for this purpose. This
should be left on for 12 to 14 hours a day and replaced every 6 months
unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer. These should be positioned
no more than 2ft away from the basking reptile. This will create a day
and night time effect as well as give your crocodile sufficient levels
of UV.
· Housing:- A securely locked enclosure is required. A converted
room is often a good solution. The land area available to your Nile
Crocodile must be at least twice the animal's length. With a large water
area for the Nile Crocodile to submerge itself and move in without too
much difficulty.
· Thermostat:- An essential part of every enclosure and is required
to regulate the internal temperatures of the enclosure and to prevent
your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
· Wire Mesh Guards:- These should be fitted over all heat sources
used in order to prevent thermal burns.
· Thermometers:- One should be placed at each end of the enclosure
in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the
enclosure. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are
often inaccurate.
· Hides:- These are essential to prevent stress and allow your
crocodilian to hide away from the outside world. Care should be taken
not to position then near entrances to allow the keepers easy and safe
access to and from the enclosure.
Water
A fitted pond is the best option for this species, it is best to have
a Drain/plug or an external tap fitted for ease of cleaning. A strong
filtration unit must also be fitted in the pond, it is best to have
this boxed in to prevent the Crocodile damaging it. It is best for the
filtration system to have exterior access as well to reduce need to
enter enclosure.
Temperature
This species requires a basking area of up to 35C (95F), with a background
temperature of 25C (77F). At night the temperature may be allowed to
drop to 21C (69F).
Longevity
Specimens have been known to live in excess of 50 years, given the correct
husbandry some have been known to out live this.
Substrate
A concrete substrate should never be used as the sole substrate, as
this is one of the principal causes of pedal dermatitis in crocodilians.
Substrates of river sand and pea gravel mixtures are best for this species.
NB - A dangerous Wild Animals License is currently required in order
to keep this species, your local Environmental Health Officer at the
council will be able to give you more information. It is best to contact
DEFRA as to what paperwork is required.
NB - Distribution map taken from http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cnil.htm
Photograph taken from http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/csp_cnil.htm