Crocodiles are masters of survival. These ancient reptiles have been around for about 90 million years, outlasting dinosaurs and enduring multiple extinction events. Around 5 million years ago, they crossed from Africa to the Americas and evolved into the four species known in the region today.
Scientists have long known that the so-called "neotropical" crocodiles are widespread, living in a mix of coastal zones, remote inland areas, and scattered islands. But human activity has severely impacted many of their habitats, pushing some populations to the brink of extinction.
Now, researchers from McGill University, working with Mexican conservation institutions, have made a groundbreaking discovery: two previously unrecognized crocodile species — one inhabiting Cozumel Island and the other residing on the Banco Chinchorro atoll, both off the coast of the Yucatán Peninsula. This revelation could reshape how conservation efforts are prioritized moving forward.
