Researcher, Matthew Shirley, holding a slender-snouted crocodile
The African dwarf (Osteolaemus tetraspis) and slender-snouted (Mecistops cataphractus) crocodiles are considered the least known crocodilians in the world. They often occur in the same places, preferring forested rivers and wetlands throughout the Upper Guinea and Congo Basin forests of West and Central Africa. Both species have been highly susceptible to deforestation and illegal harvest over the past century and, as a result, there have been large-scale local and regional extinctions. In preparation for a potential reintroduction project, a research group is conducting surveys and habitat assessments in Senegal and Gambia. The Minnesota Zoo staff champions for this project are Matt McLaughlin, Life Support Systems Coordinator, and Becky Heller, Zookeeper.
Gambian Crocodile Team Director, Mawdo Jallow, holding an African dwarf crocodile
Slender-snouted crocodile
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