Despite being the most powerful predatory reptile in the world, the journey of the Nile crocodile to “grow up” is fraught with numerous challenges.
Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) is one of the largest and strongest eagles in the African sky, originating from the sub-Saharan region.
Martial Eagle grabbing a Nile crocodile onto a tree.
They can be found throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa, wherever there is an abundant food supply and favorable habitats such as open forests, forest edges, and grasslands.
The Martial Eagle has a fairly large body size, measuring between 78 – 96 cm in length, with an average weight of 3 – 6.2 kg and a wingspan ranging from 190 – 260 cm. Their tails can reach up to 32 cm in length, and their legs can be as long as 13 cm. Unlike other birds, their shins are covered with feathers rather than bare skin.
They are one of the strongest birds of prey in the world, and when healthy, they have no natural enemies.
Their prey is quite diverse, ranging from birds, chickens, geese, to reptiles like monitor lizards and snakes, including venomous species such as cobras, green mambas, and African rock pythons.
Even wild boars do not intimidate the Martial Eagle. They can actively attack and use their large, sharp talons to grip tightly and pin the animal down, killing it in an instant.
The prey of the Martial Eagle is quite diverse.
As a top predator, the Martial Eagle not only hunts but also bullies and scavenges the remains of other wild animals.
However, compared to other competitors that the eagle witnessed during Jessica Keeton’s trip to South Africa, they are still quite inferior.
During her observation of a Martial Eagle, the tourist witnessed an incredible sight. The majestic eagle perched on a tree, intently watching something on the riverbank, resembling a creature that could attack. Upon closer inspection, Jessica realized it was a Nile crocodile.
Martial Eagles can be found throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Nile crocodile is a famous species scientifically known as Crocodylus niloticus. It is a giant crocodilian found in Africa (growing over 5 meters long and weighing over 250 kg when fully mature), regarded as a predatory animal that terrifies all creatures, including humans. Due to its brutal strength, the Nile crocodile was highly revered by ancient Egyptians, who even mummified and worshipped it as a deity.
According to statistics from CrocBITE, from 1884 to 2017, there have been 1,014 recorded attacks by Nile crocodiles, resulting in 717 fatalities (a mortality rate of 70%, significantly higher than the 57% for saltwater crocodiles).
The survival rate for young Nile crocodiles is very low.
Despite being so fierce, the survival rate for young Nile crocodiles in the wild is very low. This is due to the fact that during their development, Nile crocodiles face countless challenges. They are highly susceptible to attacks from other predatory animals such as birds, large fish, and other creatures. Their small size and lack of survival skills make young Nile crocodiles extremely vulnerable.
After catching prey, eagles will take them to secluded places like high branches or rocky outcrops to enjoy their meal.
