Researchers in Cuba conserve rare crocodile species: Cuban biologists are working very hard to rescue a rare and severely endangered crocodile species. The palm-speckled Zapata and the Isle of Youth are two wetland environments where medium-sized species may find.
Scientists claim that of all existing crocodile species, Cuban crocodiles now have the least remaining natural habitat. So the goal now is to “bring them back from the verge of extinction,” nevertheless.
The population of Cuban crocodiles has decreased due to illegal hunting and hybridization with American crocodiles. Hybridization changes the genetic make-up of the original species; in this instance, it confuses the genetics of Cuban crocodiles, putting the species’ population at risk.
As a result of changing the sex ratio of young crocodiles, a warmer climate is said to have become a new threat.
Scientists worry that a natural catastrophe, a typical occurrence in modern times, might wipe off most of the population since this species chooses to live only in a tiny section of the marsh.
In response, the Cuban government funded a program releasing several hundred crocodiles from a hatchery each year into the wild.
The International Union confirms long-standing worries about the species’ restricted habitat for nature conservation.
The Cuban government strictly regulates the sale of crocodile meat to safeguard the species, but there is still an underground market in certain parts of the marsh.
Due to its severe economic crisis, the Caribbean island faces difficulties, including fuel shortages, outdated technology, and an often hostile environment.
