Common Name: Cuban Crocodile
Scientific Name: Crocodylus rhombifer
Family: Crocodylidae – Crocodile family
Locations: Cuba
Size: 6.9 – 11 feet (2.1 – 3.5 m)
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assesses the Cuban Crocodile as Critically Endangered with Extinction. The crocodile lost most of its range and now only lives in the fresh water Zapata Swamp in southwestern Cuba. The swamp itself is in danger of rising ocean levels. If the salt water of the ocean, it changes the swamp water to brackish. Sadly, the Cuban Croc can’t handle salt water. In addition to only living in a small swamp that is threatened, poachers are actively looking to get their hands on the croc’s leather. Also, hybridization between the Cuban Croc and the American Croc could lead to the end of any pure Cubans.