When you purchase through contact on our site , we may garner an affiliate commission . Here ’s how it works .
investigator have identify two fresh crocodile specie living on set apart island in the Caribbean — and they ’re both threatened with extinction , a new study has found .
The reptile , previously thought to be American crocodile ( Crocodylus acutus ) , separately dwell the island of Cozumel and the atoll of Banco Chinchorro off Mexico ’s Yucatán Peninsula . Both populations have around 500 person .
Crocodiles in the Caribbean are more diverse than previously thought.
Scientists identified the as - of - yet unnamed species while read the genetics of crocodiles across Mexico ’s Pacific glide , Central America and the Caribbean . The team found staring genetic differences between the Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro populations and the rest of the American crocodile species , concluding that the island crocodiles were separate mintage , according to astatementreleased by McGill University in Canada .
" These results were totally unexpected , " sketch lead authorJosé Avila - Cervantes , who conduct out the genetic science inquiry during his graduate sketch at McGill University , say in the statement . " We assumedCrocodylus acutuswas a exclusive species ranging from Baja California to Venezuela and across the Caribbean . "
The researchers ' findings will seem in the upcoming June volume of the journalMolecular Phylogenetics and Evolution — they were first publish online on March 28 .
relate : crocodile are overheating due to mood change — and it ’s exchange their conduct
American crocodile live across18 countries , ranging from the southern tip of Florida to the Caribbean and northerly South America . They share some of that ambit withCuban crocodiles(C. rhombifer ) in Cuba andMorelet ’s crocodiles(C. moreletii ) in Mexico , Guatemala and Belize .
The researchers were studying variation across all three mintage when they place the two Modern coinage on Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro . Their workplace imply capturing and discharge crocodile to draw out profligate and tissue samples for deoxyribonucleic acid analysis . The team also used genetic data point from previous study and compared physical differences between the crocodiles , according to the subject .
— Henry the giant crocodile , who has generate 10,000 babies , celebrates 124th birthday
— orangish dwarf cave crocodile : The crocs that crawled into a cave , ate squash racquet , and depart mutate into a novel species
— Scientists to read Cassius the giant crocodile ’s bones to find out exactly how older he was when he died
The main physical difference between the dissimilar species is that their skull diverge in length and shape . For example , the Banco Chinchorro crocodiles have a long and tolerant schnozzle compared to those of Cozumel Island , accord to the field of study .
The uncovering of two new metal money could be important from a conservation view . Crocodiles in the region are already under threat from human activities including urbanization , contamination and tourism . The researchers witness the universe on Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro appear to be stable , but that they are vulnerable due to their small size and restrict home ground , agree to the statement .
" Now that we recognize these crocodile as distinct species , it ’s crucial to protect their habitats,“Hans Larsson , a biota prof at McGill University and the study ’s principal tec , said in the statement . " limit land developing and implementing heedful preservation strategies on Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro will be central to ensuring their survival of the fittest . "
Crocodile quiz: Test your knowledge on the prehistoric predators
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again , you will then be incite to enter your display name .
