Crocodile rivalry is something that is seldom witnessed, making this sighting exceptionally rare.
Battle of dominance ends with display of victory
The crocs had battled it out for dominance and it appeared that one of them had won the the upper hand. The large crocodile held the other by its tail, and thrashed it against the water’s surface, causing loud splashes.
The other croc hung limply, held by its tail by the victorious croc’s mighty teeth.
Rivalry among crocodiles is a common part of their behaviour, especially when it comes to territory, dominance, and mating rights. As it was in this Sabie River sighting, conflicts between crocodiles can become intense, brutal, and sometimes even fatal.
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It is hard to see whether the crocodile at the receiving end of the brutality was alive or not. However, what was clear is that it was rendered helpless in the other crocodile’s grip and was forced to succumb to the brutal beatings against the waves.
The devastating reality of male rivalry
Male crocodiles are highly territorial, especially during the breeding season. They will fight to defend their territory from rivals or to take over another male’s area which has access to females.
These battles often involve dramatic displays. They might include crocodiles opening their jaws wide, making deep growling sounds, and slapping their heads or tails against the water to intimidate opponents. When intimidation doesn’t work, they may engage in full-on physical combat as these ones did.
This aggressive croc was determined to show that he was boss, and he possibly was just this… having shown full well that he was the dominant male.
Fights between crocodiles usually involve biting, with each trying to clamp onto the other’s body, legs, or tail. The poor defeated croc was held by its tail. This had to hurt!
A crocodile’s powerful jaws can inflict serious injuries, such as deep gashes, broken limbs, or even the loss of body parts. It’s not uncommon to see older crocodiles with missing limbs or damaged tails as a result of past battles.
However, despite their rough fighting style, many confrontations end with one crocodile backing down and retreating before the conflict becomes deadly.
The intensity of the moment continued, and the splashing of the waves continued as the weaker croc was relentlessly beaten against the water’s surface.
Crocodile rivalry isn’t limited to males of the species. The females can also become aggressive, especially when protecting their nests or hatchlings from other crocodiles, including males that may try to eat the young.
In environments where food is scarce, crocodiles may even compete over prey, and fights can erupt over access to carcasses or hunting grounds.
The natural order in crocodile societies
However upsetting these rivalries are, the are part of the natural order in crocodile societies. They help to establish a clear hierarchy, with dominant individuals getting the best access to mates, territory, and food.
Despite their prehistoric appearance, crocodiles have complex social interactions, and rivalry plays a key role in shaping their behaviour and survival.