Discovery of 2 New Crocodile Species in Mexico

16-05-2025

On May 10, 2025, scientists from Canada, Mexico, and Panama announced the discovery of 2 new crocodile species near the Yucatán coast of Mexico.
These species were found in:
1. Cozumel Island, and
2. Banco Chinchorro Atoll
With this discovery, the number of New World crocodile species has increased from 4 to 6.
The previously known species include:
1. American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus)
2. Morelet’s crocodile
3. Cuban crocodile
4. Orinoco crocodile
The 2 new species have not yet been formally named but are expected to reflect their island origins.

Background of the Discovery

Initially, researchers believed that the crocodiles on Cozumel Island and Banco Chinchorro were local populations of the widespread American crocodile.
However, new research has proven that:
1. These populations are genetically distinct.
2. They are not merely regional variants but entirely new species.
The discovery was made after years of fieldwork and genetic analysis, leading to the conclusion that these crocodile groups evolved separately on their respective islands.

The discovery was based on a combination of genetic and anatomical studies.
The scientists used the following methods:
1. DNA Sequencing: Blood and tissue samples were collected from live crocodiles, which were then released safely back into the wild.
2. Anatomical Comparisons: The body structure, size, and scale patterns of the island crocodiles were compared with known species.
3. Field Surveys: Extensive surveys were conducted in remote island areas to locate crocodile nests and populations.
This comprehensive approach helped confirm that the crocodiles from Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro are separate evolutionary lineages from the American crocodile.

Key Findings from the Genetic Analysis

The genetic studies revealed the following:
1. The crocodiles in both island habitats diverged significantly from the American crocodile.
2. They form two separate and unique evolutionary branches.
3. This suggests that these crocodiles may have been isolated for thousands of years, evolving independently in their specific environments.
4. This finding challenges the earlier assumption that the American crocodile was genetically uniform across its geographic range.

Each of the two newly identified crocodile species is believed to have fewer than 1,000 breeding individuals.
This makes them:
1. Highly vulnerable to extinction
2. Ecologically fragile due to their limited gene pool

World Crocodile Day was observed on June 17, 2024, with a special significance in India.
The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of India’s Crocodile Conservation Project, which began in 1975 in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha.
The project was initiated with assistance from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.
It is considered one of the most successful wildlife conservation projects in the country.

India's Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in response to the decline in crocodile populations during the 1970s. The main goals of the project were:
1. To protect existing crocodile habitats
2. To increase breeding success through captive breeding programs
3. To rehabilitate crocodile populations into natural ecosystems
The project initially focused on Bhitarkanika, which later became one of the key crocodile sanctuaries in the world.
Over time, it expanded across various states and helped revive all three major crocodile species found in India.

Crocodiles are the largest surviving members of the Reptilia class of vertebrates.
They are mostly found in freshwater ecosystems such as rivers, lakes, and swamps, though one species—the saltwater crocodile—also thrives in coastal and brackish waters.
Key Characteristics:
1. Crocodiles are nocturnal animals.
2. They are poikilothermic, meaning they cannot maintain a constant internal body temperature.
3. They play an important role in maintaining ecological balance in wetland ecosystems.

India is home to 3 native crocodile species, each with distinct physical features, habitats, and conservation statuses.

It is the largest living reptile on Earth.
Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Included in Appendix I of CITES.
Found in 3 main locations in India: Bhitarkanika (Odisha), Sundarbans (West Bengal), and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.

Identified by its broad snout and burrowing habits.
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.
Protected under Schedule I of WPA, and listed in CITES Appendix I.
Found across 15 Indian states, especially in the Ganga River basin and associated wetlands.

Recognized by its long, narrow snout with a bulbous tip called a "ghara."
It is a fish-eating species and does not pose a threat to humans.
Listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List.
Protected under Schedule I of WPA and Appendix I of CITES.
Found in freshwater rivers like the Chambal, Girwa, Ghagra, Son, and Gandak.

It is India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem, after the Sundarbans.
Declared a Ramsar site due to its ecological significance.
Formed by a network of tidal rivers and creeks, including the Brahmani, Baitarani, Dhamra, and Patasala rivers.
It is home to the largest wild population of saltwater crocodiles in India.
Other notable species include water monitor lizards, pythons, king cobras, spotted deer, and hyenas.

What are the Major Threats to Crocodiles in India

Despite conservation efforts, crocodiles still face several threats that affect their survival in the wild:

Threat Type	Details
Habitat Destruction	Caused by urbanisation, deforestation, and infrastructure development near rivers and wetlands.
Poaching and Illegal Trade	Crocodile skin is valued in the black market for leather goods.
Egg Predation	Eggs and hatchlings are vulnerable to animals and human interference.
Dams and Irrigation Projects	These block natural river flows and destroy nesting sites.
Sand Mining	Destroys riverbanks where crocodiles bask and nest.

Article 143 of the Indian Constitution

Discovery of 2 New Crocodile Species in Mexico

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