In an amazing twist of island wildlife news, scientists have discovered what could be a brand-new species of crocodile living right here on Cozumel!

While most people come for the beaches and margaritas, researchers diving into local mangroves and lagoons uncovered something unexpected. The crocodiles found on Cozumel are genetically different from those on the mainland, suggesting they are a unique species that evolved in isolation on the island.

Researchers from McGill University in Canada, Cozumel Parks, and other Mexican institutions made the surprising discovery by using a pioneering technique to take blood samples and analyze the snappy animals' DNA. The results were published in a scientific paper, this month.

Originally thought to be the more common American Crocodile - Crocodylus acutus - it seems the island crocodiles have in fact evolved so much in isolation, that they are now technically a new species, which is yet to be named.

With the unique crocs very limited population size, the scientists behind the study say this discovery is a big deal not just for science, but for conservation, too. Protecting Cozumel's lush natural spaces is now more important than ever.

You can safely see this fascinating reptile in its natural environment at Cozumel's Punta Sur park on a guided Wildlife Tour, Jeep Tour or Dune Buggy Tour.