Crocodylus suchus

(Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1807)

Vernacular names
English : West African crocodile
French : Crocodile d’Afrique de l’Ouest

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Crocodylidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species can reach up to 4 or 5 meters in length but specimens from arid regions are smaller. Armored body, long and fairly broad head with powerful jaws. Coloration variable, from grey to almost black with faint bands. Yellowish belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs from Mauritania and Senegal to Central African Republic and DR Congo. Found in most kinds of habitats as long as water remains.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN (as C. niloticus)
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species is still assessed under C. niloticus. It seems that it’s becoming more and more endangered due to hunting and loss of habitat.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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