Dwarf crocodiles in Gabon found living in a cave, with their skin turning orange from swimming in guano. It’s unclear how long they’ve been down there, but genetic research indicates they may be morphing into a new species.
Name: Cave-dwelling dwarf crocodiles (Osteolaemus tetraspis)
Where it lives: Abanda cave system, Ogooué-Maritime Province, Gabon
What it eats: Cave crickets and bats
Why it’s awesome: Deep inside the Abanda cave system in Gabon lives a rare population of orange dwarf crocodiles. These crocodiles have adapted to a subterranean lifestyle, thriving in complete darkness and swimming in bat guano, which is rich in nutrients. They feed almost exclusively on crickets and bats that inhabit the cave walls.
The crocodiles are believed to have been living in these caves for thousands of years, and researchers speculate they may be evolving into a new species. Their distinct orange skin is likely the result of exposure to bat guano, which causes chemical bleaching. Additionally, genetic studies suggest these cave-dwelling crocodiles are becoming isolated from their forest-dwelling counterparts, with some DNA variations indicating ongoing evolution.
The cave crocodiles are thought to lay their eggs at the cave’s entrance, with the juveniles venturing into the darkness to grow up. Unlike their forest relatives, these crocodiles have fewer predators and an abundance of food, making them generally healthier. These findings suggest that these crocodiles are in the process of evolving into a distinct species, a phenomenon that might take thousands of years to complete.