Returning to the scene
Mark Fox filmed the incident while visiting the Kruger National Park on January 13, 2024. Days prior, he had spotted the crocodile guarding the nest.
Said Mark, “Every day that we passed the bridge we would stop to see her devotion to her eggs.” After a few days, he noticed empty egg casings, suggesting that some croc babies had hatched. He was delighted
Not the only spectator
Little did Mark (or the mother croc) realise that another beady eye was watching the nest site.
The first time Mark saw it, it was using its tongue to sample the air for scents. We can assume it could “smell” the buried eggs and knew it was just a matter of time before its luck would turn.
Whatever the case, the monitor lizard knew to wait around. In the meantime, it thoroughly searched the area.
Devoted parents
Both male and female crocodiles guard the nest, although research shows the female assumes the bulk of the responsibility.
Males are territorial, so they will spend more time defending their territory against rival males.
Still lurking
The image above shows the water monitor continuing to investigate the area. To the right of its head, you can see the footprint of the crocodile’s hindfoot. To its left, drag marks from the croc’s tail are visible.
Patience rewarded
Whether to cool off or search for mood, inevitably the mother croc had to return to the water.
As it slipped into the water, the lizard knew its time had come and wasted no time investigating the partially unearthed nest.
Too late?
In the image above, we see the lizard at the nest site. The white shapes behind it are old crocodile eggshells. Although the eggs are hard-shelled, they have a leathery casing; hence the distorted shape.
Looks like slim pickings…
In the images and video, we can’t see what else is in the nest. But the lizard is investigating something.
Another empty egg
Time and again, the monitor lifts its head, only to reveal yet another discarded shell. Females lay up to 35 eggs every 2-3 years, generally between August and December in South Africa.
So while the lizard continues finding empty shells, it doesn’t give up trying.
Eureka!
Eventually, its patience, vigilance and opportunism pay dividends. Below, we see the lizard with a baby croc in its mouth.
It quickly leaves the scene to enjoy a well-earned meal.
The eggs of various species, such as crocodiles, terrapins and birds are an important part of the water monitor’s diet. So, while it is a sad ending for the unborn croc, it is essential for the lizard’s survival.
Monitor lizards
There are two species of monitors found in the Kruger Park. Water monitors, also known as Nile monitors, are most frequently found near water.
Rock monitors are generally found in more arid habitats, particularly around rock outcrops (kopjes).
Both species are on the TOPS list (Threatened or Protected Species. Habitat destruction, hunting for their meat, skin and use in traditional medicine are jointly responsible for their decline.