Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus). Isimangaliso Wetland Park (Greater St Lucia Wetland Park). KwaZulu Natal. South Africa. Nile Crocodiles have a dark bronze colouration above, with black spots on the back and a dirty purple on the belly. The flanks, which are yellowish green in colour, have dark patches arranged in oblique stripes. There is some variation relative to environment; specimens from swift flowing waters tend to be lighter in colour than those dwelling in lakes or swamps. They have green eyes. Like all crocodiles, they are quadrupeds with four short, splayed legs; long, powerful tails; a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down their back and tail; and powerful jaws. They have nictitating membranes to protect their eyes and have lachrymal glands, and can cleanse their eyes with tears. Nostrils, eyes, and ears are situated on the tops of their head, so the rest of the body can remain concealed underwater. Their coloration also helps them hide. Juveniles are grey, multicoloured, or brown with darker cross-bands on their tail and body. As they mature they become darker and the cross-bands fade, especially those on the body. The underbelly is yellowish, and makes high-quality leather. They normally crawl along on their bellies, but they can also "high walk" with their trunks raised above the ground. Smaller specimens can gallop, and even larger crocodiles are capable of surprising bursts of speeds, briefly reaching up to 12 to 14 km/h (7.5 to 8.5 mi/h). They can swim much faster by moving their body and tail in a sinuous fashion, and they can sustain this form of movement much longer at about 30 to 35 km/h (18 to 22 mi/h).

Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) detail of front foot. KwaZulu Natal. South Africa

Impala (Aepyceros melampus), Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) and Warthog or Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) at Sunset Dam near Lower Sabie Camp. Kruger National Park. Mpumalanga. South Africa