Biologist Etiam Perez, 43, releases a Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) at the Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. "We are trying to bring them back from the edge of extinction," Perez said. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Biologist Etiam Perez, 43, watches a newly released Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) swimming at the Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. "We are trying to bring them back from the edge of extinction," Perez said. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) swims during its release into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) swim at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

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 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. 

A newly-hatched Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) emerges from an egg at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tourists visit a Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Veterinary technician Enrique Vasallo releases newborn Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) into their cage at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tourists watch Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) in their cage at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A worker holds a Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) has its measurements checked at a crocodile hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) has its weight checked at a crocodile hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) swim at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

A newly-hatched Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) emerges from an egg onto a biologist’s hand at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) are checked by biologists prior to being released into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) are carried inside a box by biologists prior to being released into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. 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. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is held moments before being released into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) swims with fishes during its release into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is released into nature at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) react as a bait hangs over them at a crocodile hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) opens its jaws at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. 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. 

A biologist poses with newly-hatched Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) as they are relocated at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY 

A crocodile taxidermy is seen with a cigar resting in its mouth inside a shop at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban scientists estimate that around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles live in the wild. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) is seen at the Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban crocodiles, an endemic species found only here and in a swamp on Cuba's Isle of Youth, are critically endangered and have the smallest natural habitat left of any living crocodile species, scientists say. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A crocodile taxidermy sits in a restaurant at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban scientists estimate that around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles live in the wild. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

A worker shows a necklace with a tooth belonging to a Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban scientists estimate that around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles live in the wild. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Cuban crocodile skulls (Crocodylus rhombifer) are seen inside a worker's room at a hatchery at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. Cuban scientists estimate that around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles live in the wild. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) meat is prepared in a restaurant at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. The sale of crocodile meat in Cuba is tightly controlled by the state, and only those crocodiles with physical defects or hybrid genetics, for example, are allowed in restaurants. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) meat is ready to be served in a restaurant at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 25, 2022. The sale of crocodile meat in Cuba is tightly controlled by the state, and only those crocodiles with physical defects or hybrid genetics, for example, are allowed in restaurants. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. 

Tourists leave a boat at Zapata Swamp, Cienaga de Zapata, Cuba, August 24, 2022. Cuban scientists estimate that around 4,000 Cuban crocodiles live in the wild. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini SEARCH "MENEGHINI ZAPATA CROCODILES" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES.