The presence of crocodiles in the Nile River is a subject often surrounded by misconceptions. In reality, Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) are indigenous to the Nile River, although their distribution within the river has changed significantly over time. Historically, Nile crocodiles were found throughout the Nile, from its delta in the Mediterranean Sea to the Upper Nile and its tributaries.

However, due to human population growth, habitat loss, and hunting, the distribution of Nile crocodiles has become more limited. In Egypt, particularly in the Nile’s lower reaches near the Mediterranean and in the heavily populated Nile Delta and along the river up to Cairo, crocodiles have become rare. The construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s further reduced their habitat in Egypt, creating Lake Nasser, where crocodiles are now primarily found in the country. This vast reservoir in the south near the Sudanese border has become one of the last strongholds for Nile crocodiles in Egypt.

Further south, in the less densely populated areas of Sudan and in the swamps and rivers of South Sudan, crocodiles are more common. The Sudd, an enormous swamp in South Sudan, in particular, offers a suitable habitat for these reptiles, providing them with a vast area to thrive, away from human encroachment.

Nile crocodiles are among the largest crocodile species, capable of reaching lengths of up to 6 meters (about 20 feet), although such large specimens are rare. They are apex predators in their ecosystem, feeding on fish, birds, and mammals that come close to the water’s edge. Despite their fearsome reputation, attacks on humans are relatively rare, and tend to occur in areas where humans and crocodiles share the habitat.

In summary, while it’s true that Nile crocodiles are no longer commonly found in the northern and central parts of the Nile in Egypt, they do exist in the country, particularly in Lake Nasser and more abundantly in the more southern parts of their range. Their presence is a reminder of the Nile’s rich biodiversity and the challenges of conserving wildlife in rapidly changing environments.