In Cuba, stray cats have become a danger to endangered Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer). Predatory mammals are entering nurseries and devouring baby reptiles. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine Herpetology Notes (HN).
According to scientists, the Cuban crocodile represents a very ancient evolutionary lineage and plays an important role in its local ecosystem. There are no more than 3 thousand individuals of this species left in the wild.
In 2022, the Zapata Swamp, Cuba’s largest crocodile breeding farm, was subjected to a series of attacks, as a result of which 145 four-month-old cubs of these animals were torn apart.
At first, experts could not determine who exactly attacked the reptiles, but eventually it turned out that the crocodiles’ most likely enemies were stray cats. This was indicated by pieces of fur and claw marks found in the enclosures.
According to scientists, in the wild, cats do not pose a serious threat to the Cuban crocodile, but in the nursery, predators were able to take advantage of environmental conditions and attack the young.
Researchers are calling on authorities to strengthen control over the stray cat population to protect local ecosystems.
Previous scientists I learnedNile crocodiles prey on crying babies.
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Source: Gazeta
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