A crocodile reacts at the Huachipa Zoo, in Lima, Peru, March 31, 2023. REUTERS/Angela Ponce 

Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) recovered from a poacher, and given by the police to the director of the crocodile hatchery, rest inside a plastic bag before being released into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Illegal hunting and hybridization with American crocodiles - which muddles the species genetics - have for decades threatened populations here. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Veterinarian Gustavo Sosa, 43, poses with newly-hatched Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) as they are relocated, at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Illegal hunting and hybridization with American crocodiles - which muddles the species genetics - have for decades threatened populations here. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Veterinarian Gustavo Sosa shows newly-hatched Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) to tourists at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Illegal hunting and hybridization with American crocodiles - which muddles the species genetics - have for decades threatened populations here. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Veterinarian Gustavo Sosa, 43, washes newly-hatched Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Illegal hunting and hybridization with American crocodiles - which muddles the species genetics - have for decades threatened populations here. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Models of the Stegouros elengassen, a newly identified armored dinosaur that inhabited Chile's Patagonia area, are shown to the media in Santiago, Chile, December 1, 2021. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado 

SPLA-IO (SPLA-In Opposition) rebels carry an injured rebel after an assault on government SPLA (Sudan People's Liberation Army) soldiers, on the road between Kaya and Yondu, South Sudan, August 26, 2017. Goran Tomasevic: "This picture shows how the rebels lacked supplies to treat their wounded. They didn't even have a stretcher or bandages. This wounded rebel was in severe pain and I had to give him painkillers from my own supply. When rebels attacked the town of Kaya they distributed the few items they had to their men: a ragged strip of red cloth to serve as identification, a packet of biscuits and two ammunition clips per fighter. They ran out of bullets in 40 minutes and government forces counter-attacked, killing several people including American journalist Christopher Allen. Working in South Sudan requires commitment. On that trip, my colleague Siegfried and I crossed several rivers on foot. We worried about falling and getting our equipment wet. To minimise the risk, I distributed two cameras to two rebels and carried the third myself. It was unlikely all three of us would fall into the water. On our way back to the Ugandan border we traveled by motorbike. It rained heavily and the small streams became rivers. The drivers carried the motorbikes on their heads, balancing on underwater 'bridges' that were actually fallen trees. We carried our gear at head height to prevent them getting wet. Water came up to our chests. I also worried about crocodiles but thankfully I didn't see any. One night, we walked in single file through elephant grass in complete darkness. The grass rose above our heads. When we lay down on the ground to rest, it was so cold I started shaking. On the way back, we ran out of water and I couldn't find my chlorine tablets. We had to drink from swamps, streams and boreholes. Thankfully, nobody got too sick." REUTERS/Goran Tomasevic/File photo SEARCH "POY STORY" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "REUTERS POY" FOR ALL BEST OF 2017 PACKAGES. 

American conservation biologist and expert in crocodiles Matt Shirley (R) instructs Ivorian rescue workers and forestry agents during a government-backed training program on how to humanely capture and relocate crocodiles in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on July 12, 2017. Picture taken July 12, 2017. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

American conservation biologist and expert in crocodiles Matt Shirley gestures as he stands near a section of the lagoon in Abidjan where a big high-end residential and commercial development is under construction, Ivory Coast July 12, 2017. Picture taken July 12, 2017. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

American conservation biologist and expert in crocodiles Matt Shirley (R) instructs Ivorian rescue workers and forestry agents during a government-backed training program on how to humanely capture and relocate crocodiles in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on July 12, 2017. Picture taken July 12, 2017. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon 

Matt Shirley, an American conservation biologist, stands next to the enclosure of West African Slender-snouted Crocodiles at the zoo of Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 28, 2016. Picture taken October 28, 2016. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

Matt Shirley, an American conservation biologist, stands next to the enclosure of West African Slender-snouted Crocodiles at the zoo of Abidjan, Ivory Coast October 28, 2016. Picture taken October 28, 2016. REUTERS/Luc Gnago 

A spectacled caiman is pictured on the bottom of Solimoes river at Sustainable Development Reserve of Piranha in Manacapuru, Amazonas state, Brazil, October 27, 2015. A severe drought has pushed river levels in Brazil's Amazon region to lows, leaving isolated communities dependent on emergency aid and thousands of boats stranded on parched riverbeds. Picture taken October 27, 2015. REUTERS/Bruno Kelly 

Cuban crocodiles react as a veterinarian (not pictured) hangs a bait over them in a hatchery at Zapata Swamp National Park, June 4, 2015. Ten baby crocodiles have been delivered to a Cuban hatchery in hopes of strengthening the species and extending the bloodlines of a pair of Cuban crocodiles that former President Fidel Castro had given to a Soviet cosmonaut as a gift in the 1970s. Picture taken June 4, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

A baby Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer), which just arrived from Havana National Zoo, lies in an enclosure at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp National Park, June 4, 2015. Ten baby crocodiles have been delivered to a Cuban hatchery in hopes of strengthening the species and extending the bloodlines of a pair of Cuban crocodiles that former President Fidel Castro had given to a Soviet cosmonaut as a gift in the 1970s. Picture taken June 4, 2015. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

An employee holds an Hermes diamond and Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin handbag at Heritage Auctions offices in Beverly Hills, California September 22, 2014. The handbag has 242 diamonds with a total of 9.84 carats. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT FASHION TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY) 

A clouded leopard skin and crocodile purse are displayed on a table put together by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to show examples of confiscated animal by-products during a tour of a bonded warehouse at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York June 16, 2014. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES - Tags: POLITICS BUSINESS ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT) 

Six-month-old Broad-snouted Caimans are pictured at Rio de Janeiro's zoo October 4, 2013. The crocodilian reptiles are found in eastern and central South America, and hunting for their skins is illegal in most countries. REUTERS/Ricardo Moraes (BRAZIL - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY) 

A male albino caiman alligator (caiman crocodilus yacare) called "Bino" receives acupuncture treatment at Sao Paulo aquarium in Sao Paulo August 13, 2013. "Bino" is receiving weekly applications of acupuncture for the treatment of Scoliosis and Kyphosis. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker (BRAZIL - Tags: ANIMALS) 

A male albino caiman alligator (caiman crocodilus yacare) called "Bino" relaxes in the water next to a female after receiving acupuncture treatment at Sao Paulo aquarium in Sao Paulo August 13, 2013. "Bino" is receiving weekly applications of acupuncture for the treatment of Scoliosis and Kyphosis. REUTERS/Paulo Whitaker (BRAZIL - Tags: ANIMALS) 

A turtle lies on top of an alligators back at the Summit Zoo in Panama City August 10, 2012. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso (PANAMA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY) FOR BEST QUALITY IMAGE: ALSO SEE GF2E8BL1BXQ01. 

A black caiman is seen in the Tiputini river at the Yasuni National Park near Coca September 8, 2010. Ecuador is launching a one-of-a-kind initiative to protect a jungle reserve in the park that contains not only a huge variety of plants and animals but 20 percent of the country's crude oil. Picture taken September 8, 2010. To match Feature ECUADOR-YASUNI/ REUTERS/Guillermo Granja (ECUADOR - Tags: ENVIRONMENT) 

The eye of a black caiman is seen in the Tiputini river at the Yasuni National Park near Coca September 8, 2010. Ecuador is launching a one-of-a-kind initiative to protect a jungle reserve in the park that contains not only a huge variety of plants and animals but 20 percent of the country's crude oil. Picture taken September 8, 2010. To match Feature ECUADOR-YASUNI/ REUTERS/Guillermo Granja (ECUADOR - Tags: ENVIRONMENT) 

A heron looks for food at "Guama" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba March 5, 2010. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY ENVIRONMENT) 

An Osprey (Pandion Haliaetus) carries a catfish at "Guama" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba March 5, 2010. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA - Tags: ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY) 

Crocodiles lie in the water at a breeding center at "La Boca" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba March 5, 2010. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA - Tags: ANIMALS TRAVEL SOCIETY) 

A crocodile rests on a wall at a breeding center at "La Boca" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba March 5, 2010. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA - Tags: SOCIETY TRAVEL ANIMALS) 

A crocodile rests at a breeding center at "La Boca" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba March 5, 2010. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA - Tags: ANIMALS SOCIETY TRAVEL) 

A White Cayman is seen on a river at the Manu Biosphere Reserve in Peru's southern Amazon region of Madre de Dios November 2, 2009. This 1.8 million hectares reserve is the home of 600 birds species and 11 monkey species among other animals, as caymans and mammals, and has one of the highest levels of biodiversity of any park in the world with more than 200 varieties of trees found in one hectare. Picture taken November 2, 2009. REUTERS/Enrique Castro-Mendivil (PERU ENVIRONMENT TRAVEL ANIMALS) 

A clay figure of a crocodile is displayed at an exhibition in the Coleccion del Museo del Barro de Paraguay" (Paraguayan Clay Museum collection) in Santiago October 7, 2009. The exhibition of works showcases indigenous, pre-Columbian and colonial art to popular and contemporary art of Paraguay and South America. REUTERS/Ivan Alvarado (CHILE SOCIETY ENTERTAINMENT) 

A man rows a boat at the Guama tourism resort in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba September 17, 2009. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island?s territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA) 

A man holds a four year old crocodile at a breeding center at "La Boca" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba September 17, 2009. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT) 

Crocodiles eat a breeding center at "La Boca" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba September 17, 2009. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA ANIMALS ENVIRONMENT) 

A crocodile waits for food at a breeding center at "La Boca" in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba September 17, 2009. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4 percent of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous animals such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and migratory birds. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA) 

A view of huts used for accommodation at the Guama tourism resort in the Zapata Swamp Biosphere Reserve Park south of the Matanzas province in central Cuba September 17, 2009. The wetlands of Cuba represent about 4% of the island's territory and include habitats with unique and ideal vegetation for numerous organisms such as manatis, crocodiles, fish and turtles, many resident and particularly migrant birds and numerous endangered endemic species. REUTERS/Desmond Boylan (CUBA ENVIRONMENT SOCIETY TRAVEL) 

A Brown Caiman (Caiman crocodilus fuscus) is seen in a wooded area a new section in the Explora park in Medellin June 4, 2009. Picture taken on June 4, 2009. REUTERS/Fredy Amariles (COLOMBIA ENVIRONMENT ANIMALS) 

A model of a newly discovered prehistoric crocodile (Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi) is seen after a news conference at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro January 31, 2008. Brazilian paleontologists on Thursday announced the discovery of a fossil of a new species of prehistoric predator that represents a "missing link" to modern-day crocodiles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes (BRAZIL) 

A fossil of a newly discovered prehistoric crocodile (Montealtosuchus arrudacamposi) is seen after a news conference at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro January 31, 2008. Brazilian paleontologists on Thursday announced the discovery of a fossil of a new species of prehistoric predator that represents a "missing link" to modern-day crocodiles. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes (BRAZIL) 

A crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus) rests at the National Zoo of Managua November 13,2007. REUTERS/Oswaldo Rivas (NICARAGUA) 

Participants take part of the opening ceremony of the Pan American Games inside Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2007. REUTERS/Carlos Barria (BRAZIL) 

Costa Rican Gilberto Shedden, 50, performs in a lake with his crocodile during a show in Siquirres town, near Costa Rica's Atlantic Coast, January 28 2007. Shedden's best friend is a four and half-meter-long crocodile named "pocho" who performs with him. Every Sunday, the spectacle attracts large crowds, including tourists from around the world and his exploits have earned Sheddon the nickname "Tarzan Tico". Picture taken January 28 2007. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate (COSTA RICA) BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE 

A Reuters journalist holds a young cayman crocodile in a flooded quarter of Villa Monasterios on the outskirts of Trinidad, 400 km (248 miles) northeast of La Paz, February 28, 2007. Thousands of families on the outskirts of Bolivia's flood-ravaged city of Trinidad were forced to abandon their homes and struggle with the worst flooding to hit the country in 25 years. Picture taken in February 28, 2007. REUTERS/David Mercado (BOLIVIA) 

Crocodiles bask in the sun in the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

A crocodile swims in the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

A heron stands on debris-draped logs in the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

Costa Ricans bathe in the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

Tourists sail down the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

A crocodile swims near debris-draped logs in the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment-Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

A crocodile basks in the sun next to the sewage and pollution-filled Tarcoles River in Tarcoles, 100km (62 miles) from San Jose, Costa Rica April 5, 2006. Tourists once flocked to the surf and wildlife of this tropical town on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the filth of a sewage-rich river that oozes through Tarcoles has driven them away. Despite its filth, the river hosts a wide array of tropical birds and a large population of American crocodiles. Picture taken April 5, 2006. To match feature Environment Costarica. REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate 

- UNDATED ILLUSTRATION - The skeleton of an early crocodile-like reptile is pictured in this undated illustration. Scientists have discovered the fossil remains of the toothless, two-legged crocodile ancestor that walked upright and had a beak instead of teeth, according to a report published on January 25, 2006. [The 210 million-year-old fossil had sat in storage for nearly 60 years in New York's American Museum of Natural History, and was found only by accident, the paleontologists said.]
? EDITORIAL USE ONLY 

- UNDATED ILLUSTRATION - The skeleton of an early crocodile-like reptile is pictured in this undated illustration. Scientists have discovered the fossil remains of the toothless, two-legged crocodile ancestor that walked upright and had a beak instead of teeth, according to a report published on January 25, 2006. [The 210 million-year-old fossil had sat in storage for nearly 60 years in New York's American Museum of Natural History, and was found only by accident, the paleontologists said.]
? EDITORIAL USE ONLY 

A visitor to the Cango Wildlife Ranch cage dives into a crocodile pool in Oudtshoorn, 450 km east of Cape Town, South Africa December 14, 2005. The cage is lifted into the pool with four large Nile crocodiles on a hydraulic arm similar to those used in shark cage diving. Photo taken December 14, 2005. REUTERS/Howard Burditt ODLY 

Afghans clear hair from a dead sheep's head in a shop in Kabul, Afghanistan November 9, 2005. The heads and legs of livestock like sheep, cow, goat and bull are used in popular dishes in Afghanistan. REUTERS/Ahmad Masood 

A crocodile rests in a stream at a zoo named Animal City near Beirut September 16, 2005. REUTERS/Jamal Saidi 

-PHOTO TAKEN 21APR05- A Honduran walks past a rack full of crocodiles skins, a valued item for the export market in Villanueva, Honduras, April 21, 2005. What set out to be a conservation project in the 1990s amid concern that hunting was killing off the native population of American crocodiles, or Crocodylus Acutus, has become a lucrative business that so far has not returned even one of the reptiles to the wild. Picture taken on April 21, 2005. 

-PHOTO TAKEN 21APR05- An adult crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus) is fed horse meat at the Continental crocodile farm in Villanueva, Honduras, April 21, 2005. What set out to be a conservation project in the 1990s amid concern that hunting was killing off the native population of American crocodiles, or Crocodylus Acutus, has become a lucrative business that so far has not returned even one of the reptiles to the wild. Picture taken on April 21, 2005.. 

-PHOTO TAKEN 21APR05- A worker holds a small crocodile (Crocodylus Acutus) while the cage is being cleaned at the Continental crocodile farm in Villanueva, Honduras, April 21, 2005 . What set out to be a conservation project in the 1990s amid concern that hunting was killing off the native population of American crocodiles, or Crocodylus Acutus, has become a lucrative business that so far has not returned even one of the reptiles to the wild. Picture taken on April 21, 2005. 

-PHOTO TAKEN 21APR05- A worker of the Continental crocodile farm shows the skin, a valued item for the export market, in Villanueva, Honduras April 21, 2005. What set out to be a conservation project in the 1990s amid concern that hunting was killing off the native population of American crocodiles, or Crocodylus Acutus, has become a lucrative business that so far has not returned even one of the reptiles to the wild. Picture taken on April 21, 2005. 

-PHOTO TAKEN 21APR05- A baby crocodile is displayed by a worker at the Continental crocodile farm in Villanueva, Honduras, April 21, 2005. What set out to be a conservation project in the 1990s amid concern that hunting was killing off the native population of American crocodiles, or Crocodylus Acutus, has become a lucrative business that so far has not returned even one of the reptiles to the wild. Picture taken on April 21, 2005.