Experts think cave crocodiles discovered in the country of Gabon are a new species.
Researcher still have many questions about how the cave crocs are able to survive in conditions very different from the more common dwarf crocodile, and how they are able to breed, as adults become too big to leave the caves. Current research suggests the cave crocodiles split off thousands of years ago, according to the Guardian.
“The [crocodiles in the] caves of Abanda stand out as an isolated genetic group,” added Oslisly.
The cave crocodiles were first discovered when Oslisly was searching for the remains of early human civilizations. Instead, he found crocodiles living in caves. He didn’t realize some of them were orange until he brought a group of scientists with him on his second trip, and they took the crocodiles outside into the light, according to the Guardian.
Researchers said the crocodile’s orange color could be from dwelling in a mix of water and bat droppings.
Video footage shows the group going deep into bat-infested caves and walking through waste-high sludge to reach the crocodiles. The Guardian notes how this small group of 30 crocodiles exhibit behavior never before seen in crocodiles.
Oslisly is trying to turn the area into a wildlife sanctuary to protect these animals.
The more dwarf croc, more common in the area, faces a shrinking population because of trade in its meat. It is also docile and easy to catch compared to other crocodiles, according to the Guardian.
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