The discovery of two new crocodile species in the Yucatán Peninsula highlights the region's biodiversity and underscores the need for conservation efforts.
Researchers identified distinct crocodile lineages on Cozumel Island and Banco Chinchorro atoll. These were previously mistaken as regional variants of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus). A study published in ScienceDirect, led by biologist Hans Larsson from McGill University, revealed these are genetically distinct species.
The conclusion came after comparing physical traits and conducting advanced genomic analysis. "These results were totally unexpected," said José Ávila-Cervantes, lead author of the study. The team captured and released crocodiles, extracting blood and scale samples for analysis at McGill laboratories.
Genomic sequencing and skeletal analysis confirmed the new classifications. Both populations have critically low numbers, with fewer than a thousand breeding individuals each. This, combined with habitat pressures, makes them a high conservation priority.
Larsson warned that coastal development threatens crocodile populations. Researchers advocate for official recognition of the new species to enable targeted protection policies. This discovery emphasizes the importance of studying isolated tropical ecosystems and reinforces the need for global conservation efforts.
This finding serves as a reminder that biodiversity can still hold secrets, even in well-studied areas. Protecting these fragile habitats and implementing specific conservation strategies is crucial. This will ensure that this biological richness is understood and preserved.