Newswise — The Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) is an extremely rare species native to the Orinoco River basin in Colombia and Venezuela, teetering on the brink of extinction. Towering as one of the largest crocodilian species worldwide, it can grow up to an impressive seven meters in length. Despite its awe-inspiring size, this crocodile remains the most endangered and least understood among its New World counterparts.
Sadly, the population of the Orinoco crocodile has suffered a severe decline, primarily due to the relentless exploitation of its skin for the fashion markets of Europe, the USA, and Japan during the 20th century. This demand for its skin led to rampant commercial overexploitation. Today, the global count of adult individuals is estimated to be less than 250, an alarmingly low number given the species' historical prominence.
In 1971, herpetologist Federico Medem took action to address the critical status of the Orinoco crocodile by establishing a captive breeding program at the Roberto Franco Tropical Biological Station (RFTBS) in Villavicencio. Presently, the RFTBS boasts an impressive count of over 600 individuals, making it the largest repository of this species and the sole one in Colombia. Astonishingly, the number of adult crocodiles in captivity might surpass those remaining in the wild.
The captive breeding program has achieved commendable success. However, reintroducing these animals into their natural habitat has proven to be a challenging endeavor. The primary obstacle lies in the absence of a comprehensive genetic characterization. Without a thorough understanding of the population's genetic health and potential inbreeding issues, there's a risk of reduced fitness at both individual and population levels. To ensure the successful reintroduction of the species, it is vital to conduct a robust and conclusive genetic assessment that confirms the population's genetic viability and overall health. Only then can the Orinoco crocodile have a real chance at thriving once again in the wild.
"We were driven by a profound sense of urgency to assess the genetic viability of the Orinoco crocodile population, a crucial step before proceeding with the reintroduction of animals and establishing new populations of the species in Colombia. To accomplish this, we conducted an extensive genetic characterization using fast-evolving molecular markers on a sample of 551 crocodiles," explains Ana María Saldarriaga, a former researcher at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Fordham University.
The research findings brought encouraging news. It was revealed that the individuals within the population exhibit significant genetic diversity, making them well-suited for reintroduction efforts and contributing to the preservation and enrichment of the ex-situ population.
In their study recently published in the journal Nature Conservation, Ana María Saldarriaga and her colleagues highlight the pivotal role of molecular data in ex-situ conservation programs. The study shows that using molecular information goes beyond the limitations of pedigree data, significantly enhancing the management of such programs. This breakthrough offers a valuable tool in the ongoing efforts to protect and restore the endangered Orinoco crocodile population.
The study's compelling findings present a significant opportunity for the Colombian government, alongside public and private conservation institutions and agencies. They can leverage the individuals identified in this research to spearhead the establishment of new populations in regions where the Orinoco crocodile species has been completely depleted.
Armed with the knowledge of sufficient genetic diversity and suitability for reintroduction efforts, these identified crocodiles can serve as a cornerstone for revitalizing the species in areas where it has faced depletion. This proactive initiative could pave the way for a hopeful future, ensuring the species' survival and fostering a balanced ecosystem.
By employing the scientific insights gained from the genetic characterization, the collaborative efforts of these conservation bodies have a real chance to make a positive impact on the endangered Orinoco crocodile's plight and secure its presence in regions where it was once on the brink of extinction.
Mario Vargas-Ramírez, a professor at the Genetics Institute of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia and director of the RFTBS, emphasizes the critical role that top predators, such as crocodiles, play in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Their presence has a profound impact on nutrient cycles, fish populations, and essential cross-ecosystem engineering processes.
Considering these vital ecological functions, the reintroduction of the Orinoco crocodile to the Orinoco region emerges as an urgent priority. As an "umbrella species," the conservation and recovery efforts for the Orinoco crocodile hold immense significance. By safeguarding this keystone species, a positive cascading effect is expected, offering protection to a diverse array of other species coexisting within the same environment.
In essence, the preservation of the Orinoco crocodile not only contributes to the restoration of a crucial predator but also holds the potential to safeguard the overall health and balance of the entire ecosystem, benefitting numerous other species in the process.
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