In the dark depths of Gabon’s caves, an unusual population of orange dwarf crocodiles intrigues scientists. These reptiles, living in total darkness, feed mainly on bats and crickets, bathing in a environment unique riche in guano.
Credit: Olivier Testa, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
These cave crocodiles, studied for the first time in 2010, present characteristics distinct from their forest counterparts. A 2016 study, published in African Journal of Ecologyrevealed notable differences in their diet and their physical conditionattributed to the abundance of prey and the absence of predators in the caves.
Cave crocodiles, with their unique orange skin, may be undergoing a mutation genetic. This coloring would be due to their prolonged exposure to guano, rich in ureacausing chemical bleaching of their skin. Unpublished analyzes suggest significant genetic divergence between cave and forest populations.
Researchers believe these crocodiles could be on their way to becoming a new species. Their isolation in caves, combined with low migration, favors this speciation. However, the evolutionary process is slow and its outcome remains uncertain.
The study of these crocodiles offers a unique window into the mechanisms of evolution and adaptation in extreme environments. Their survival in such hostile conditions raises questions about the resilience and plasticity of species.
What differentiates cave crocodiles from their forest counterparts?
Cave crocodiles and their forest counterparts have notable differences in both diet and condition. physique. Cave crocodiles feed primarily on bats and crickets, a diet that contrasts with that of forest crocodiles.
These dietary differences have a direct impact on the health and physical condition of crocodiles. Cave crocodiles, benefiting from an abundance of prey and an absence of predators, are generally in better condition than their forest counterparts.
These distinctions highlight the importance of the environment in the evolution of species. The unique conditions of the caves allowed crocodiles to develop specific adaptations, distinguishing them genetically and physically from their conspecifics living outside.
