A team of researchers believe that there is a new invasive species in Florida, where at least two Nile crocodiles have been captured in the south, where scientists believe that there are more of them in the wild.

In this new study, a team of researchers analyzed the DNA of four crocodiles that have been in captivity from 2000 to 2014. Their new findings did confirm that at least two of these crocodiles are close relatives of Nile crocodiles that are native to Africa.

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Florida has been known for its warm climate and rich habitats that have been home to amphibians and reptiles that are not endemic to the region like the Burmese python, however, the Nile crocodile can be considered as a serious threat to biodiversity and even human life. Researchers say that this particular species is an aggressive one that is known to kill an average of 200 humans a year in Africa.

Nile crocs are also fond of cattle where researchers are also concerned that there is a chance for potential crossbreeding with a relatively small population of American alligators as well. To date, scientists are still trying to figure out how these vicious creatures arrived in Florida.

According to co-author of the study, herpetologist Kenneth Krysko from the University of Florida, these crocs certainly did not swim all the way from Africa. However, it is still unknown how they established their population in the wild.

Krysko says that the DNA obtained from these captured Nile crocs matched each other however it did not match with those inside Disney's Animal Kingdom or other zoo and research facilities where Nile crocs are kept legally in Florida.

The team now suspects that an unregistered reptile breeder transported the crocodiles into Florida and for some unknown reason, released them into the wild, in the Everglades. Researchers are now warning that there might be more Nile crocodiles hiding around the state. However, according to Allyson Gantt of the Everglades National Park, she does not think there are other Nile crocs still roaming inside the park, even if one of the captured Nile crocs was taken from there.

This new study is published in the journal Herpetological Conservation and Biology. 

Tagsinvasive species, Florida, nile crocodiles, nile crocs, Crocodiles, Everglades