Quote:

DNA confirms Nile crocodiles found in Florida

There may be a new invasive species in town.

At least two Nile crocodiles have been captured in South Florida, and there could be more in the wild, researchers say.

A team of researchers used DNA analysis on four crocodiles captured between 2000 and 2014 to confirm that at least two of the crocs were most closely related to Nile crocodiles from Africa, according to a study just published in the journal Herpetological Conservation and Biology.

While Florida is no stranger to non-native amphibians and reptiles, (we’re talking about you, Burmese python), the Nile crocodile is of particular concern. Researchers estimate that the croc, an aggressive species, may be responsible for some 200 human deaths a year in Africa.

The Nile crocs also have a hearty appetite for cattle, and another concern is that there could be potential crossbreeding with the small population of American alligators, according to the study.

Researchers aren't sure how the animals came to be in Florida.

“They didn't swim from Africa," University of Florida herpetologist Kenneth Krysko told The AP.  "But we really don't know how they got into the wild."

Krysko, who co-authored the study, said the DNA from the captured Nile crocodiles matched each other but did not match those kept at Disney’s Animal Kingdom or other facilities that are licensed to keep Nile crocs in Florida, AP reported.

He says it’s likely an unregistered reptile breeder brought the crocs to Florida and was either unable to contain them or may have knowingly released them in the Everglades.

While the researchers believe there are likely more Nile crocodiles lurking in the state, Allyson Gantt, a spokeswoman for Everglades National Park, where one of the Nile crocodiles was found, told AP she does not believe there are other Nile crocs roaming the park.

And while naysayers may be quick to point to the unlikelihood that Nile crocodiles will become an issue in Florida, wildlife biologist Joe Wasilewski told AP stranger things have happened.

"I have two words: Burmese python," Wasilewski told AP. "If you would have told me 15 years ago we would have an established population in the Everglades, I wouldn't have believed you."

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Dude. That's pretty serious shit, considering how Burmese Pythons have exploded in numbers down there.

I know that Florida already has alligators and shit, but Nile Crocs are in an entirely different league.







Those things are real life monsters. If one is lurking nearby beneath the water surface and you're close enough...it's game over.

luvdemboomers said:

holly crap I just looked them up they grow to 14 feet and 1200 pounds

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Yeah dude they're monsters. I think they're probably the closest thing we have to dinosaurs on this earth.

They take down some really, really big animals. Like a zebra man, taking down a full grown zebra is no joke.



or wildebeest



shit they'll take a crack at a damn elephant too 

MkUltra117 said:

Im curious though, i know they are a diffrent species but how much diffeent can these niles crocs be besides their behavior. I mean they all can kill you. How much would it impact the ecosystem?

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cirilo.h said:

Great so weve got burmese pythons fucking shit up... Then the sneakhead fish is almost to the everglades n thats gonna do some major damage . Now these things ... jesus

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Shroomopotamus said:

cirilo.h said:

Great so weve got burmese pythons fucking shit up... Then the sneakhead fish is almost to the everglades n thats gonna do some major damage . Now these things ... jesus

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Beats having muslims migrating our way

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Shroomopotamus said:

cirilo.h said:

Great so weve got burmese pythons fucking shit up... Then the sneakhead fish is almost to the everglades n thats gonna do some major damage . Now these things ... jesus

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Beats having muslims migrating our way

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pirate-blues said:

and nile crocs are cool. but saltwater crocs are the true apex killing machines.

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pirate-blues said:

and nile crocs are cool. but saltwater crocs are the true apex killing machines.

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Niffla said:

pirate-blues said:

and nile crocs are cool. but saltwater crocs are the true apex killing machines.

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Ahh that's right, I forgot about the saltwater crocs

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I live in saltie territory. They only eat tourists