In the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, the [I 003 / crocodile] is to the fresh water rivers what the lion is to the predatory hierarchy of the woodlands. Only the [P 003 / elephant] and adult hippopotamus are exempt from the powerful jaws of these prehistoric reptiles.
The crocodile has remained unchanged for 190 million years and is the only surviving reptilian descendant of the Archosaurs group which included the dinosaur. They can grow up to 18 feet long and weigh over 1,600 pounds.
Equipped with valves in the eyes and nostrils and a flap over the windpipe which keeps water out during dives, the crocodile is superbly adapted to hunt in the water. Its flattened body, strong tail and short legs enable it to glide silently towards its prey. It often uses its tail to sweep animals on shore into the water. The crocodile's long powerful jaws, housing 66 cone-shaped teeth, grab the victim and pull it underwater. Once the victim has drowned, the crocodile tears it to shreds or stores it for future feedings.
Every year, thousands of wildebeest die trying to cross the [M 003 / Mara and Grumeti Rivers]. Some fall prey to the crocodiles, others are trampled, injured or drowned in their haste to cross. The crocodiles also feast the [G 07 / carrion] of the accidental casualties.
