Scientists have discovered two new species of crocodile living on remote Caribbean islands off the east coast of Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula.
Until now, experts believed that the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) was a single species, ranging from Mexico to Venezuela and across the Caribbean.
But a new genetic study – published in Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution – has revealed that crocodiles on the island of Cozumel and the atoll of Banco Chinchorro are unique species in their own right.
According to lead researcher Hans Larsson and lead author José Avila-Cervantes, “the study is the first to extensively explore genomic and anatomical variation in these animals,” and “it turns out there’s a lot more diversity than we thought.”
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Two new crocodile species
The discovery was made when the team took blood and scale samples from crocodiles on both islands, then compared their genetic make-up to populations across the region.
The differences were striking – enough to declare the animals as separate species, though they haven’t yet been officially named.
Both new species number fewer than 1,000 breeding individuals and are confined to small, isolated habitats. While their populations appear stable for now, coastal development poses a serious threat, says Larsson.
“Now that we recognise these crocodiles as distinct species, it's crucial to protect their habitats. Limiting land development and implementing careful conservation strategies on Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro will be key to ensuring their survival.
“The rapid loss of biodiversity can only be slowed if we know what species are most at risk,” concludes Larsson.
Find out more about the study: Novel island species elucidate a species complex of Neotropical crocodiles
Main image: Banco Chinchorro crocodile. Credit: Getty
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