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This solitary and poorly known crocodile is already critically endangered. Deforestation and pollution reduce its habitat, forcing it to abandon nesting sites, and to unfavorable cohabitation with its cousin the Dwarf crocodile. In addition, the lack of fish forces him to get closer to the fishing nets where he sometimes finds himself trapped, reinforcing the “man / crocodile” conflict.

Habitat

Densely vegetated rivers and marshes, estuaries

Feed

Fish, amphibians, crustaceans, birds, small mammals

Classification

Class

Reptiles

Scientific Name

Mecistops cataphractus

Legal Status

UICN : CR - en danger critique (2013)
CITES : Annexes I (1992) / A (2022)
EAZA : ESB

West african false gavial

Some Figures

Weight

125 to 230 kg

Life Expectancy

over 50 years old

Incubation

3 to 3.5 months
9 to 25 eggs

Discover Also

Mandatory
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