By Obiabin Onukwugha
Crocodiles are large, semiaquatic reptiles that live throughout the tropics in Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia. The term “crocodile” is sometimes used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia, which includes the alligators and caimans.
All crocodiles are semiaquatic and tend to congregate in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and sometimes in brackish water and saltwater. They are carnivorous animals, feeding mostly on vertebrates such as fish, reptiles, birds and mammals, and sometimes on invertebrates such as molluscs and crustaceans, depending on species and age. All crocodiles are tropical species that, unlike alligators, are very sensitive to cold. Many species are at the risk of extinction, some being classified as critically endangered.
Igbo calls it “Agụiyi”, Hausa calls it “ˈkräkə”, while Yoruba calls it “ooni”
Despite their prehistoric look, crocodiles are among the more biologically complex reptiles. Unlike other reptiles, a crocodile has a cerebral cortex and a four-chambered heart. Crocodilians also have the functional equivalent of a diaphragm by incorporating muscles used for aquatic locomotion into respiration.
Crocodiles do not have sweat glands and release heat through their mouths. They often sleep with their mouths open and may pant like a dog.
Crocodiles are apex predators, which means they are top-of-the-group hunters and not generally afraid of other animals, except hippos! A hippo’s bite is strong enough to tear a crocodile in half. Smaller crocodiles are also afraid of larger crocodiles that might eat them!
Crocodiles have powerful jaws with many conical teeth and short legs with clawed webbed toes. They share a unique body form that allows the eyes, ears, and nostrils to be above the water surface while most of the animal is hidden below. The tail is long and massive, and the skin is thick and plated.
There is one main weakness shared with all crocodilians. the muscles that open their jaws are relatively weak so that a pair of human hands or some duct tape can hold their jaws together.
Crocodiles are expert swimmers, utilizing their long tails to propel themselves through the water. Some species can reach speeds of 15 to 18 mph or even faster.
On land, crocodiles can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, especially in short bursts. However, they are not built for sustained long-distance running.
Crocodile eggs take approximately 9–10 weeks to hatch. A female crocodile constructs a maximum of one nest per year and can nest as often as every year or every couple of years, depending upon her health and condition.
A crocodile can live for around 80 years, although some in captivity have reached over a century.
Crocodile farming is a significant economic industry, particularly for leather production, but also for meat and other byproducts. The industry generates substantial revenue, with some regions like the Northern Territory in Australia experiencing an annual economic value of over $100 million. This value stems from the export of crocodile skins, which can fetch high prices, and from the sale of meat and other products.
Crocodiles are vital to their ecosystems as apex predators, playing a role in maintaining the balance and health of rivers and wetlands. They help regulate prey populations, create habitats, and even transport nutrients, making them essential engineers of their environment.
In many traditional cultures, crocodiles are viewed as powerful spirits or symbols, often associated with both the natural world and the supernatural. They can be seen as guardians of rivers and lakes, or as embodiments of ancient knowledge and wisdom. Crocodiles are also revered as ancestors or divinities, and their skin, teeth, and other body parts are used in rituals and ceremonies.
“The Hare and the Crocodile’s Ride”
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Long ago, when animals still held councils and rivers whispered secrets, there lived a hare named Agbako. He was small but sharp—so clever that he could talk his way out of a lion’s jaw and into a king’s feast.
On the other side of the wide, roaring river lived the juiciest yams in the land. But to get there, one had to cross crocodile-infested waters.
Agbako had no canoe, no wings, and certainly no permission. Yet he had something better—a plan.
One morning, he approached the riverbank and called out, “Brother Crocodile! Come quickly! I bring urgent news!”
A massive crocodile surfaced. “What news could a hare possibly bring me?”
“There’s going to be a great naming ceremony for the King of Crocodiles. The forest animals must attend. I’m here to count how many crocodiles will make the journey.”
Flattered and intrigued, the crocodile nodded. “Let me call my brothers.”
Soon, the river was lined with crocodiles—head to tail.
Agbako hopped across their backs, counting loudly. “One! Two! Three!”
When he reached the last crocodile—on the other side of the river—he leaped onto dry land and shouted, “Twenty-eight! And not one drop of water on my fur!”
The crocodiles growled in fury. “You tricked us!”
But Agbako just laughed. “Wit always swims faster than teeth.”
The next week, he tried the same trick again. But the crocodiles were ready.
As he reached the middle of the river, the last crocodile dove—causing a ripple. Agbako lost his balance and tumbled into the water.
He barely escaped with his ears.
Soaked and shivering, he limped home. That day, the clever hare learned that while wit can win you freedom, repeating your tricks can win you trouble.
Moral Lesson: Intelligence can save you once, but pride and overconfidence will lead to your downfall. Even the clever must stay humble.
