African dwarf crocodile threatened by bushmeat trade

The African dwarf crocodile, the world’s smallest living crocodile species, is facing significant pressure from the bushmeat trade and habitat loss. A study published in BMC Zoology by conservation biologist Israel Ogorode and colleagues investigated the sale of these reptiles at three bushmeat markets in the Niger Delta.

Found in the dense swamps and flooded forests of West and Central Africa, the African dwarf crocodile is a nocturnal predator that feeds on crabs, gastropods, fish, and small mammals. Despite being listed as vulnerable on the IUCN’s Red List, the species has not undergone a formal assessment by the organization in 30 years.

Experts note that the species is particularly targeted for commercial trade because its small size and slow metabolism allow it to be captured and transported live over long distances without refrigeration. This characteristic has made the crocodile a prized target for hunters, leading to fears of unsustainable population declines.