The African crocodile is actually two different species

Researchers have identified a new crocodile species in Africa. The discovery provides researchers with more information on the evolution of crocodiles and how they can prevent the new species from disappearing.

The new Slender Snout Crocodile of Central Africa is a freshwater species and, as its name suggests, has a long, slender muzzle. From the beginning, it was wrongly classified as belonging to another slender-nosed crocodile, also of medium size, living in freshwater habitats. Only when researchers closely examined the DNA and physical characteristics of crocodiles in six African countries did it appear that they were perhaps two distinct species – a unique species in Africa. West and another in Central Africa. The Central African snout is the first new living crocodile species to be discovered for nearly 85 years.

"Recognizing the slender snouted crocodile as composed of two different species is a major conservation concern," said lead author Matthew Shirley, crocodile expert at the Tropical Conservation Institute of Florida International University. "We estimate that only 10% of Slender-snouted crocodiles are found in West Africa, which has the effect of reducing its population by 90%. This makes Slender Snout Crocodile from West Africa one of the most endangered crocodile species in the world. "

The results illustrate the limited knowledge we have about African crocodiles and the geographical distribution of these animals in West and Central Africa.

African crocodiles with slender snouts look almost identical. But after further examination, the researchers understood that crocodile populations in West and Central Africa do not share the same genetic or physical characteristics. The Central African Slender-snouted crocodiles have a slightly different skull shape and smoother scales than their western counterparts. The evidence further confirms the existence of two species.

The discovery has major implications for policy makers and conservationists, as the success of conservation efforts depends largely on the precise taxonomy of a given species. The slender snouted crocodile of West Africa is one of the few critically endangered crocodiles in the world and their numbers continue to decline. By recognizing that there are two distinct species, biologists and conservation agencies can make the best use of resources and ensure the future of species whose numbers are lower than expected.

Matthew Shirley says. "We hope that this better understanding of the evolution and taxonomy of the slender snouted crocodile is attracting the long-awaited attention to the fate of this species, long recognized as the least known crocodilian in the world."