Top Nile Crocodile Fishing Countries

The Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus) is not a fish, but rather a large aquatic reptile native to freshwater habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including rivers, lakes, and marshlands. Renowned for its formidable size and predatory prowess, the Nile crocodile is a top apex predator rather than a target of conventional fishing industries. However, Nile crocodiles have historically been harvested for their valuable skins, meat, and occasionally for traditional medicine, particularly in countries like Egypt, Sudan, Tanzania, and South Africa. These countries have established regulated crocodile farming and ranching industries, especially in South Africa and Zimbabwe, where crocodile farming is a significant contributor to the export of high-quality leather goods. Wild harvesting is strictly controlled or banned in most regions to protect wild populations, with sustainable management practices and international regulations (such as CITES) guiding the legal trade of Nile crocodile products.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.