The West African slender-snouted crocodile (Mecistops cataphractus) is a medium-sized crocodile found in West and Central Africa. Its status with the IUCN is that of “critically endangered” and it cannot legally be hunted on African hunts. Loss of habitat, poaching, as well as less available food sources have been listed as reasons for the major reduction in numbers.

The West African slender-snouted crocodile prefers a habitat of rainforests with large bodies of fresh water close by including rivers, streams, and lagoons. One of their main habitats is wildlife reserves in Ghana that have been established to protect this endangered reptile.

This cold-blooded reptile’s diet includes mammals, reptiles, insects, and fish, amongst others. In terms of predators, their young fall victim to a variety of animals and birds, including otters, rodents, birds, and leopards.

The female crocodile lays around 15 eggs in a nest consisting of vegetation and mud, where they incubate for 90-100 days. Upon hatching, the young crocodiles call for their mother, who gently carries them to the water in her mouth.

AT A GLANCE

Name:
Mecistops cataphractus

Male Weight:
200-500 pounds

Male Length:
6ft 7 in – 9ft 10 in

Incubation:
90-100 days

Range:
Found across West and Central Africa

Life span:
45 years

Size and Appearance

While no African hunts or game hunting safaris will take place for you to be able to target this endangered reptile, you can keep a lookout for a medium-sized crocodile with a long, slim, snout. Its back is dark, with a lighter underbelly. The protective scales cover the skin, allowing the crocodile excellent protection. Their eyes, ears, and nostrils sit on the top of their head, allowing them to be visible while the crocodile effortlessly glides through the water, reaching speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. Their slender snout hides between 64 and 70 jagged, spiky teeth, just waiting to rip their prey apart. Males are larger than their female counterparts, weighing between 297-717 pounds, with a length between 9ft 10in – 13ft 1 in.

Hunting Methods

With an IUCN status of “critically endangered” it is illegal to hunt the West African slender-snouted crocodile during any African hunts.

Challenges and Rewards

While the hunting safari itself may have been challenging should it have been on the cards, it is illegal to hunt the West African slender-snouted crocodile, and therefore no game hunting adventure targeting this reptile will be forthcoming. Your reward would be spotting it in its natural habitat, while out and about on your African hunts, targeting other game species. Even this would be a very special reward, as it is an elusive and relatively shy reptile.