Cuban Crocodile
CR

Cuban Crocodile

Crocodylus rhombifer

Declining

Photo: Photo: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Cuban crocodile faces severe population decline due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development in Cuba's wetlands. Hybridization with the more common American crocodile poses a significant genetic threat, potentially diluting the species' unique characteristics. Illegal hunting for meat and hides, combined with collection for the international pet trade, continues to pressure the remaining wild populations despite legal protection.

Threat summary

Habitat

Cuban crocodiles inhabit freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, marshes, and swamps throughout Cuba. They prefer shallow wetland areas with dense vegetation and are particularly associated with the Zapata Swamp and other lowland freshwater systems.

Forest· majorForest - Subtropical/tropical dry· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· majorRocky areas· major

Conservation measures underway

Species recoveryEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Cuban Crocodile classified as Critically Endangered?
Cuban Crocodile is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Cuban crocodile faces severe population decline due to habitat loss from agricultural expansion and urban development in Cuba's wetlands. Hybridization with the more common American crocodile poses a significant genetic threat, potentially diluting the species' unique characteristics. Illegal hunting for meat and hides, combined with collection for the international pet trade, continues to pressure the remaining wild populations despite legal protection.
Where does Cuban Crocodile live?
Cuban Crocodile occurs in Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Madagascar, Spain, and United States. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Cuban Crocodile?
The main threats to Cuban Crocodile are 1.1, 11.1, 4.1, and 5.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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