Living Around the Nile
The Nile is Africa’s longest river, it and its principal tributaries traversing parts of 10 countries and several different physiographic regions. As such, the river and its environs are home to many fascinating species of plants and animals.
Plants around the Nile
Bamboo is among the trees and plants found there, in addition to papyrus which Ancient Egyptians used to make paper from. Banana trees are found in the tropical rainforests upstream, near the origin of the Niles.
Bamboo is among the trees and plants found there, in addition to papyrus which Ancient Egyptians used to make paper from. Banana trees are found in the tropical rainforests upstream, near the origin of the Niles.
Animals of the Nile
Once common throughout the Nile River system, the hippopotamus is now found only in the swampy Al-Sud region of South Sudan and farther south. The Nile crocodile can be found in most parts of the river. The Nile crocodile is one of the largest crocodilian species, reaching lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet). The softshell turtle, characterized by its flattened shell, can be found in the Nile River basin. The flattened shell contributes to the softshell turtle’s ability to swim rapidly.
Once common throughout the Nile River system, the hippopotamus is now found only in the swampy Al-Sud region of South Sudan and farther south. The Nile crocodile can be found in most parts of the river. The Nile crocodile is one of the largest crocodilian species, reaching lengths of up to 6 meters (20 feet). The softshell turtle, characterized by its flattened shell, can be found in the Nile River basin. The flattened shell contributes to the softshell turtle’s ability to swim rapidly.