From the moment guests set foot in Londolozi, the lure of the infamous Shingilana “Shingi” Dam (formerly known as “Big Dam”) becomes an essential part of their wildlife experience.
This oasis has witnessed countless wildlife spectacles, and on a recent afternoon game drive, Ranger Melvin Sambo uncovered a truly unique sight at the southeastern edge of Shingi Dam: a crocodile feasting on the remains of a prized meal.
The scales of a crocodile tail protrude from the surface of a waterhole
Scaling the surface of the water, the crocodile’s tail hinted at the drama unfolding beneath. Racing towards the scene, we joined Rangers Melvin and Kirst just in time to witness the ancient reptile’s massive head emerging from the murky water, jaws clamped around what appeared to be the head of a young impala. Swiftly, the crocodile threw its head back, launching the unfortunate impala into the air before swallowing it whole. With that, the crocodile vanished back into the depths, and Shingi Dam returned to its serene stillness.
Crocodiles possess a set of unique feeding habits, driven by factors that make them stealthy hunters. Firstly, crocodiles have a slow metabolic rate, which means they don’t require as much energy as more active predators. Their metabolism allows them to survive with infrequent meals, and they can efficiently utilize the energy from their prey for an extended period.
Secondly, being ectothermic (cold-blooded), their body temperature is influenced by the external environment and can adjust their metabolic rate based on temperature, allowing them to conserve energy during colder periods when their activity levels may decrease.
Thirdly, crocodiles have evolved to survive in environments where food availability can be unpredictable and can endure periods without feeding is an adaptation to the fluctuations seen in the availability of prey.
It’s always enjoyable to spend time at the causeway and experiment with a slow shutter speed on your camera. The crocodiles that sit and wait for fish or frogs to get washed over are great subjects to focus on but make sure you have a bean bag or tripod to keep your camera still.
As apex predators, crocodiles exemplify patience, remaining motionless for extended periods, waiting for the perfect moment to ambush prey, and minimising unnecessary energy expenditure. Once successful in catching prey, they pin it down and attempt to drown it, or overpower it with the use of a ‘death roll’ or ‘barrel roll’.
A crocodile with a portion of his meal, preparing to swallow it whole.
Their gular flap restricts them to only be able to feed above water, ensuring a watertight seal to cover their windpipe and prevent drowning. Lacking the ability to move their bottom jaw sideways, crocodiles utilize a unique approach—tossing prey from side to side between their conical teeth, tearing off pieces to swallow whole.
For about 30 mesmerizing minutes, we observed the crocodile’s spectacle—propelling itself out of the water, thrashing its prey to break off manageable chunks. The sheer height and force it generated were truly awe-inspiring, an unforgettable sight.
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Below is also a sequence of images of this enormous crocodile in action.
Preparing the Head Thrash: A Spectacle of Speed and Power
The enormous resident crocodile of Shingi Dam, arguably the largest at Londolozi, readies itself to toss its meal.
The Action Shot!
The Action shot. It was amazing to see the height this enormous crocodile was able to achieve!
Thrashing the Carcass Across the Water
The carcass is flung to the side, attempting to rip a piece of meat free.
Sheer Force
The sheer force of the movement creates a dramatic splash.
Success!
The crocodile rips a piece of meat free, marking a successful feeding moment.
Chaos Ensues
A catfish leaps from the water following the crocodile’s violent thrash.
The Water Begins to Settle
Tranquillity returns to Shingi Dam after the crocodile’s feeding frenzy.
These feeding behaviours showcase the survival and adaptability of a species that has thrived for millennia. The Nile crocodile’s predatory strategies, witnessed at Londolozi’s Shingi Dam, are not only awe-inspiring but also a reminder of the primal prowess the bush commands. So, the next time you pass by a waterhole, take a few extra minutes to scan for signs of these predatory masters and marvel at the wonders of the wild.
What an exhilarating thing to witness. I’m glad you were there to capture it.
Thank you very much Chelsea! It truly was a special sight!
Reece, wonderful pictures of the nile crocodile feeding. They are frightening creatures up close. It is no wonder that they have survived for a very long time.
Thank you very much William! They really are the epitome of apex predators!
Amazing pictures! And when I was looking at the closeup of the scales of the tail, I thought I was seeing a picture of the Loch Ness monster!
Thank you Michael. Yes indeed, this crocodile’s size sure makes it seem that way!
Amazing photos, Reece and a very interesting blog on crocodiles and their tactics and habits.
Though the crocodiles’ strategy to survive are stunning, they are also quite frightening. They are animals I would not like to get to close to.
Thank you Christa. I could not agree more! They are definitely predators that deserve a lot of respect.
Wow Reece, it is actually frightening to see the strength of these apex predators. Such brutal force to tear the carcass apart and gulp a piece of meat down. Nor wander I am so scared of a crocodile. Your photography is outstanding which is not always easy taking photo’s of water. Thanks for the information on this incredible scarry crocodile.
Thank you Valmai, I really appreciate that. They are such fascinating creatures. It is a privilege to be able to witness them and their intricate behavior! I’m so glad I was able to capture it.
Yowse!! Great shots of a thrilling sighting! Good job, Reece!
Thank you very much Mary Beth. It helps to be in the right place at the right time!
Fascinating and exhilarating story.