Specimen of a Nile Crocodile ‘Crocodylus Niloticus’
An Antique Preserved Specimen of a Nile Crocodile ‘Crocodylus Niloticus’
Mid 19th Century
Size: approx: 153cm long – 60¼ ins long
Mid 19th Century
Size: approx: 153cm long – 60¼ ins long
Formidable semi-aquatic predators these large reptiles can grow to be over 6 metres long. They are survivors from the age of the dinosaurs having changed little in the last 65 million years. Like most crocodiles, the Nile crocodile has eyes and nostrils on top of its head helping it to see and breathe in water. They are carnivores eating a mixture of live prey and carrion. Various techniques are used by them when hunting, but the most usual is to lie in wait at the edges of rivers and lakes for mammals to come within range as they drink.
Crocodiles have long jaws with teeth that are exposed even when its mouth is closed, but although it has a powerful bite, it cannot chew and this presents problems when dealing with large prey such as zebras, wildebeest and buffalos. The Nile crocodile manages these by dragging them under water and then spinning around to tear off chunks of flesh.
Crocodiles have long jaws with teeth that are exposed even when its mouth is closed, but although it has a powerful bite, it cannot chew and this presents problems when dealing with large prey such as zebras, wildebeest and buffalos. The Nile crocodile manages these by dragging them under water and then spinning around to tear off chunks of flesh.
Specimen of a Nile Crocodile ‘Crocodylus Niloticus’
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