Costa Rica: Virgin birth of a crocodile
The reptile had been in captivity for 16 years when zookeepers discovered the eggs.
First virgin birth in a crocodile
Scientists in Costa Rica have documented the first known case of a “virgin birth” in a female crocodile that had had no contact with males for 16 years.
The reptile was able to produce a fully developed foetus that was 99.9% genetically identical to itself.
This discovery, published in the academic journal Biology Letters , offers what researchers describe as “tantalizing insights” suggesting that its evolutionary ancestors, such as the dinosaurs, may also have been capable of self-reproduction.
Virgin conception, also known as facultative parthenogenesis, has already been documented in birds, fish, lizards and snakes, but never before in crocodiles. It is a process by which an egg cell develops into an embryo without fertilisation by sperm.
The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) was taken into captivity in 2002 at the age of two and brought to an enclosure in Costa Rica, where it remained alone for the next 16 years.
The zookeepers discovered a clutch of 14 eggs in the enclosure. The eggs did not hatch, but one contained a fully developed foetus.
Genetic analysis of the foetus’s heart and the mother’s skin tissue revealed a 99.9% match, confirming that the offspring had no father.
Facultative parthenogenesis is rare, but is thought to occur when a species is confronted with difficult or unfavourable conditions, such as environmental stress or a lack of mates.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is truly a paradise on earth and is renowned for its rich wildlife. Numerous species are native to the country, including many different types of reptiles. One such reptile that is particularly popular with tourists is the crocodile. Locally known as «Cocodrilo», it is an impressive animal that should not be missed.
The American crocodile is one of the best-known species in Costa Rica and can be found in many different regions of the country. These impressive animals can reach a length of up to six meters and are famous for their expressive eyes and impressive jaw strength. More on the topic of species conservation and studies.
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