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Crocodilian Exploration
It may be surprising that there are still new species of crocodiles to be discovered. However, recent WCS surveys and genetic work over the last few years is aimed at defining two new species in Africa. Others species may be awaiting discovery in Asia and the Neotropics.
Dwarf Crocodiles
 It is quite likely that the dwarf crocodiles in the Congo basin and those in West Africa are separate species. The Congo animals were originally described as a separate genus, but with the lack of any further study of these animals over the last 80 years, they have been gradually lumped with the West African species. One of the goals of our work in Africa is to determine if they are separate species.
Nile Crocodiles
Recent genetic studies carried out by WCS indicate that the Nile crocodiles of the Congo and West and North Africa are a destinct species from the Nile crocodiles of East Africa and Madagascar. Remnant populations of Nile crocodiles, so named by the ancient Egyptians, are scattered around the Sahara and Sahel regions of Africa. In most of these areas they are considered sacred, and in at least two areas crocodiles have survived in tiny ponds of mountainous areas in the middle of the desert. We will conduct surveys and genetic analysis of crocodiles throughout Africa to unravel this question.
Hybridization
 The true crocodiles are a very closely related group. Hybridization in captivity is not uncommon and WCS projects have shown this also occurs in the wild. Natural hybridization appears to be a significant conservation issue in Cuba, where hybridization between American and Cuban crocodiles may lead to the loss of the endemic Cuban crocodile.
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