In Burundi, Africa, there has always been the story of a man-eating crocodile. It is said that this crocodile, with a length of 7.5 meters and a weight of more than 900 kilograms, was given a very imposing name for him, Gustav. Judging by its huge size, Gustav is estimated to be 100 years old, but an observation of the traces left behind reveals that it has a complete set of teeth, which is not the case with a nearly 100-year-old crocodile, so it is estimated that it may not be more than 60 years old, or even in its growth stage.
He was so fond of attacking humans that he was said to have killed nearly 300 people, causing great panic among the locals. And people tried to catch it several times, but to no avail. This crocodile is not only huge, but also hunts simply and does not eat the carcasses of its prey. In the United States, it even made a disaster film "Crocodile Monster" based on its story.
This terrifying murderous beast is actually the largest reptile in Africa, the Nile crocodile. It grows in most parts of eastern, central and southern Africa, as well as in the rivers and lakes of madagascar. Normal body size of about 3-5 meters, very strong, the tail is thick and powerful, suitable for swimming in the water. Adult Nile crocodiles can weigh up to a ton. This crocodile prefers to live alone, live in the water at night, and come out in the morning to bask in the sun. Adult Nile crocodiles also swallow stones, which helps niles maintain balance underwater. During the mauritanian dry season, nile crocodiles dig burrows on the banks of rivers and hides underground. Until the next rainy season comes.
Juvenile Nile crocodiles often feed on small animals such as insects, fish, and frogs. Adults can prey on large vertebrates including antelopes, buffalo, hippopotamus juveniles, etc. They like to ambush the edge of the riverbank and sneak up on antelopes, zebras and other animals that come to drink water. Adult Nile crocodiles can bite cheetahs, hyenas and even hippos, as well as humans. Its body's metabolic effect is very low, and it can rely on sunbathing to maintain body temperature, so it does not need a lot of food, and after eating an antelope once, it can eat nothing for a year. It's also confusing the question, why did Gustav attack and kill so many humans?
It doesn't need food. Therefore, it is judged that it is just a simple hunting behavior, and the reason for this behavior is whether he has evolved a sense of revenge, and hunting humans is only revenge for humans. Because since the 9th century AD, the Nile crocodile has been the main target of human hunting, and their skin was very valuable at that time.
So far, the Nile crocodile has almost disappeared along the Nile. Although this is one of the crocodiles we are most familiar with, and through continuous efforts, artificial breeding to continue its population, the wild Nile crocodile population is becoming more and more rare. The mysterious giant crocodile Gustav has also lost its tracks, perhaps becoming a permanent mystery.