The documentary "Conflicts in Nature - Conflicts in a River" explores the life and challenges of Nile crocodiles along the African river. It highlights their survival tactics, reproductive behaviors, and interactions with other species, such as the Nile monitor lizard which preys on crocodile eggs. The film also touches on the crocodiles' need for thermoregulation and their role in the river's ecosystem. Despite their formidable presence, only a small percentage of crocodile hatchlings survive to adulthood due to various predators and environmental factors. The documentary captures the essence of these ancient reptiles' existence within the dynamic environment of the Nile River.
1. The Nile River is approximately 6,000 kilometers long.
2. The Nile changes names during its journey, such as being called Victoria Nile in Uganda.
3. The Nile's width varies, sometimes being only 7 meters wide, such as at Bärtschi Falls.
4. The Nile crocodile is the largest of its kind, growing up to 3-5 meters long.
5. The Nile crocodile has retained most of the features of its ancestors from 200 million years ago.
6. Female crocodiles lay around 60 eggs at a time, which incubate for approximately 60 days.
7. Female crocodiles do not incubate their eggs, but instead, lay them in a hole they dig themselves.
8. The Nile monitor is a predator that loves eggs and is known to destroy around 50% of crocodile eggs each year.
9. The Nile monitor can open its throat widely and swallow prey that seems too big for it.
10. Crocodiles have a unique thermoregulation system, alternating between sunbathing and swimming to regulate their body temperature.
11. Crocodiles can maintain their body temperature at 26 degrees by constantly switching between sunbathing and swimming.
12. Exposure of mucous membranes to sunlight facilitates evaporative cooling in crocodiles.
13. Crocodiles have a hierarchical social structure, with conflicts settled through body language and postures of intimidation or submission.
14. Only 3% of baby crocodiles reach adulthood.
15. Female crocodiles carry their newborns in their mouths to the river, using their tongue to form a small depression to hold them.
16. The sex of crocodile hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest during incubation, with temperatures above 31 degrees producing males and below 31 degrees producing females.
17. Baby crocodiles are around 15 cm long when hatched.
18. Nile crocodiles are almost invincible as adults, but their beginnings are difficult, and they face many dangers as young animals.
19. Monitor lizards are a threat to young crocodiles, and they can devour an entire brood in less than an hour.
20. Baby crocodiles start to gain confidence and learn to catch insects and frogs after a few weeks.
21. Hippos can be a danger to young crocodiles, as they can accidentally trample them.
22. The rainy season is the season of abundance for crocodiles, with many animals getting carried away and becoming a food source.
23. Crocodiles cooperate to carve up large prey, with dominant males giving the signal for the quarry.
24. Crocodiles have razor-sharp canines, but they are nested in a way that prevents them from moving sideways to crush flesh.
25. Crocodiles swallow whole, including bones, skin, and tendons, and then digest their food using stomach acid and grinding stones.
26. A large Nile crocodile can go two years without eating.
27. The rainy season is just a memory after three months.
28. The river level keeps dropping, and dragonflies bask in the sun along the bank.
29. Young crocodiles are more and more voracious, and some are still attached to their siblings, while others go in search of adventure.
30. Only one out of 80 crocodiles hatched on the bank survived.
31. Baby crocodiles grow at a phenomenal rate of 30 cm per year.
32. If a young crocodile survives, it will have to wait another ten years before reaching its prime and being able to attack a ruminant.