Nile Crocodile
Crocodylus niloticus
Least Concern
IUCN Red List status · Population stable as of 2023 · Est. 250,000 individuals
About the Nile Crocodile
The Nile crocodile is Africa's largest freshwater predator and a keystone species. As apex predators, they regulate prey populations and their basking maintains open riverbanks used by many other species.
Region
East Africa
Population
250,000
Trend
Data Year
2023
Key Facts
Habitat Types
Found In
Why Africa's Wildlife Matters
Africa's megafauna are not just iconic — they are ecosystem engineers. The loss of a single keystone species can trigger cascading collapses across entire biomes. Elephants create waterholes, lions regulate prey, and predators maintain the biodiversity that keeps Africa's grasslands and forests functioning.
20%
of Earth's bird species in Africa
25%
of mammals found in Africa
3,000+
endemic plant species at risk
Help spread the word about the Nile Crocodile
More from East Africa
Adopt a Nile Crocodile
Your monthly support directly funds this animal's protection.
32% funded
River Ally
$10/month
Protect crocodile river habitats
- ✓ Digital certificate
- ✓ Monthly update
Apex Defender
$25/month
Wetland ecosystem protection
- ✓ All River Ally perks
- ✓ Habitat report
- ✓ Photo print
Quick Stats