The Zulu call the crocodile iNgwena (‘the lawless criminal’),
but its principal victim is fish. The horror of being devoured by a crocodile,
however, is very deep-seated in man. The very name, from the ancient Greek
krokodililos (‘pebble-worms’), conjures up unpleasant images of skulking
creepy-crawlies. Crocodile fossils have been found dating back 175 million
years.
The only South African species - the common, or Nile, crocodile
- is found in all the warmer African rivers. Adult specimens average about 4
meters in length, but they can grow to 6 meters or more.
The females lay about 40 eggs each year and bury them in
sand, where they incubate in the warmth of the sun. Hyenas and birds eat many
of the eggs. Those that survive hatch after 13 weeks and the young crocodiles
come into the world fully capable of looking after themselves.
The crocodile plays its part in maintaining the balance of
nature, but it is certainly not much loved for its work.
Daniel
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