It had long been consider that there are three specie of crocodile in Africa , but we now know that there could be at least seven . The most recent study shows that a slender - snouted crocodile that was believe to be one coinage is actually two . The promulgation come from Matthew Shirley from the University of Florida and was put out inProceedings of the Royal Society B.
Crocodilians have been on this planet for about220 million yearsbut there are some very fundamental things that we do n’t be intimate about them . There is n’t a great deal of information about how their population range have changed over time or even about their current biogeography .
Genetic analysis was do ontwo dissimilar populationsof the iconic slender snout crocodile , one in West Africa , the other in Central Africa . The squad was shocked when they found that one species was actually two . Their genomes suggest that they diverged about 7 million days ago . to boot , they also found pocket-size forcible differences between the two species .
After discovering that these crocs are actually different coinage , conservationist will need to get to work . The full compass of each coinage will demand to be document in club to understand its preservation condition . Now conservationists necessitate to ensure that the species are correctly accounted for , so that each can have the level of care it requires . Because resource can be scarce , they do n’t want to incidentally give more care to an animal that has a stable universe . In gain to watch current preservation position , those who are responsible for breeding will need to ensure that they are not create cross of the two mintage . To increase figure and make stable populations of crocodile , they require to make trusted that breeding efforts are species - specific .
The crocodiles in Africa face up similar trouble to American crocs . About 50 twelvemonth ago , crocodiles in America were the victims of rearing poaching and home ground destruction which nearly driven to extinction . After they were given protected condition , the numbers rebounded and locations in the southeastern United States get considerable economical cost increase from tourists who want to see these creature in their lifelike habitat .
It is hoped that by correctly name the crocodile and give them proper conservation attention , they will be able to rebound in number . Because they are an apex piranha in their environments , recede these creatures could have dire consequences for bodies of water all over Africa .
