The strange and dangerous appearance of Nile crocodiles in the swamps of Florida – BBC World

Image copyright AP

Image caption One of the three Nile crocodiles found in a swamp in Florida, USA .S. They can measure up to six meters long and weigh 725 kilos.

Native Florida Gators (USA) are lambs compared with these menacing specimens came from Egypt.

DNA analysis confirmed that three carnivorous Nile crocodiles live in the swamps of Florida in the United States, more than 10,000 kilometers away from its natural habitat.

Unlike local reptiles, this species often feeds on humans and is believed to be responsible for up to 200 deaths a year their region of origin in sub-Saharan Africa.

it is possible, say the researchers who did the tests, there are more examples like these near Miami.

“There came swimming from Africa” ​​, he told the Associated Press herpetologist at the University of Florida Kenneth Krysko.

so how come this far these dangerous alligators?

Illegal

Although not known with certainty the reason for their arrival, one possibility is that unauthorized collectors all been brought into the country illegally, said Krysko.

• 6 meters long can measure

• 730 kg is the maximum weight that can have this kind

• 200 deaths a year in sub-Saharan Africa are caused by this crocodile

AP

the herpetologist, an expert in studying amphibians and reptiles, said the DNA of crocodiles agreed between the three but not with those of the same species living in the amusement park Animal Kingdom and other Florida attractions that are licensed.

so believe they may escape or that those who brought the implanted purpose in the National park the Everglades.

animals were found in 2009, 2011 and 2014 but his DNA was recently confirmed.

Image copyright Getty

Image caption They usually feed on shrimp, fish, insects, birds and mammals, including humans.

The species Nile can grow up to six meters long, significantly larger than the local alligators, which reach four meters in length.

they usually feed on shrimp, fish, insects, birds and mammals, including humans.

There have also been cases in attacking livestock.

the same case of the python?

Experts Florida wildlife have expressed concern that African animals may threaten the ecosystem to breed in swamps the Everglades.

This was the case of the Burmese python , a kind of native snake south and Southeast Asia, which was first seen in the national park during the 1980s.

Image copyright Getty

Image caption the Burmese python, a species of snake native to south and Southeast Asia, arrived in Florida in the 1980s

currently, there is a settled population of 30,000 snakes of this kind in place.

to reproduce, fed on the local fauna endangered . species, including alligators

“I just say two words: Burmese python,” told AP the wildlife biologist and co-author of Nile crocodiles Joe Wasilewski.

“If you had told me 15 years ago that we would have an established population in the Everglades, I would not have believed it.”