Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer)
The Cuban crocodile, hailing from the heart of the Caribbean, displays a stunning mix of olive and gold hues. Males can reach up to 11 feet, with females slightly shorter. You'll commonly spot Cuban Crocodiles in the Zapata Swamp or Isle of Youth in Cuba.
Donβt let their medium size fool you. These territorial crocodiles are intelligent and aggressive5. Many scientists and zookeepers have observed these, from cooperative hunting to challenging handling.
Unfortunately, Cuban Crocodiles are critically endangered8, with less than 2,400 individuals in the wild. They face various threats, including water pollution, climate change, illegal hunting, and habitat transformation. Additionally, hybridization with the American Crocodile compromises their genetic integrity and introduced crocodilians to compete with their resources.