Nile Crocodile
Scientific name: Crocodylus niloticus
Swahili name: Mamba
IUCN status: Least concern
Threats and impacts [1]:
Nile crocodiles are intensively farmed for their meat and skins (apparel, jewelry, etc.). Uncontrolled use of crocodiles for traditional medicine is an added threat. Retaliation killings of crocodiles are common after they attack cattle near water bodies, while they are also hunted as trophy animals.
Unregulated or illegal overfishing is a threat to the crocodile’s prey-base, depleting fish stocks. Pollution due to upstream mining, industrial and agricultural activities, and urbanization puts downward pressure on both crocodile and prey populations. Habitat loss and degradation due to human influence (dams, water management, etc.) are a large threat.
Conservation:
Protection provided by international laws and conservation efforts have helped the population of Nile crocodiles recover after nearly being wiped out in the mid-1900s mainly by hunters. Other species of crocodiles have much lower population numbers and are threatened or endangered. [2]
[1]Isberg, S., Combrink, X., Lippai, C. & Balaguera-Reina, S.A. 2019. Crocodylus niloticus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019:e.T45433088A3010181. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T45433088A3010181.en. Downloaded on 15 August 2019.
Photo credit: Nicolas Tam