Two New Crocodiles Discovered in Mexico Must Be Protected

Researchers from McGill University and El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Mexico have identified two previously unknown species of crocodiles, one living on Cozumel island and the other on the atoll of Banco Chinchorro, both off the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. Likely these new species will be classified as endangered or critically endangered with fewer than 1000 breeding pairs alive. These findings show an urgent and pressing need for conservation to protect these unique and irreplacable crocodilian species. #Biodiversity. Help them every time you shop and go #vegan #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

McGill University. (2025, May 6). Two new crocodile species discovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170923.htm

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New Crocodiles found in Mexico

In a groundbreaking study, biologists from McGill University, in collaboration with Mexican scientists, have discovered two previously unidentified species of crocodiles residing on Cozumel Island and Banco Chinchorro atoll, both located off the Yucatán Peninsula. This revelation challenges the long-held assumption that the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a single, widespread species.

Research team calls for immediate crocodile conservation

The research team conducted comprehensive genetic analyses of crocodile populations from these islands, comparing them to C. acutus populations across the Caribbean, Central America, and Mexico’s Pacific coast. The results revealed significant genetic differentiation, leading to the conclusion that these island populations represent distinct species.

“The rapid loss of biodiversity can only be slowed if we know what species are most at risk,” said Larsson. “Now that we recognize 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.”

Lead author José Avila-Cervantes

We must urgently protect crocodile habitat in Mesoamerica

The two new crocodiles discovered in Mexico inhabit small, isolated populations, each comprising fewer than 1,000 breeding individuals. While these populations currently appear stable, their limited numbers and restricted habitats make them particularly vulnerable to environmental changes and human activities.

Lead author José Avila-Cervantes emphasized the unexpected nature of the findings: “We assumed Crocodylus acutus was a single species ranging from Baja California to Venezuela and across the Caribbean. Our study is the first to extensively explore genomic and anatomical variation in these animals.”

Crocodile conservation means protecting crocodile habitat

The discovery underscores the critical importance of habitat conservation. The researchers advocate for limiting land development and implementing targeted conservation strategies on Cozumel and Banco Chinchorro to ensure the survival of these newly recognized species. 

This study was conducted with support from local colleagues, including Pierre Charruau at El Colegio de la Frontera Sur in Mexico. The team collected blood and scale samples for genetic sequencing, which was carried out at McGill University. Additional research on skull morphology was performed by graduate student Hoai-Nam Bui.

McGill University. (2025, May 6). Two new crocodile species discovered. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/05/250506170923.htm

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