A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis suggested that slender-snouted crocodiles constitute a distinct genus, Mecistops, though some authors continue to use the genus name Crocodylus.
The slender-snouted crocodile’s scientific name is Mecistops cataphractus.
Recent 2006 DNA and morphological studies suggest that slender-snouted crocodiles constitute a distinct monotypic genus, for which the authors proposed to use the previously published name Mecistops. This finding has been supported by all subsequent molecular phylogentic analysis and studies. Thus, Mecistop has gained wide use and acceptance in the literature.
This change has not yet been adopted by the International Code for Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN), and most authors continue to use the genus name Crocodylus when referring to this species.
A recent 2013 study has found significant molecular and morphological support for two divergent taxa in this genus – one distributed entirely in West Africa and the other in Central Africa. Formal taxonomic revisions and recognition of these two unique taxa are expected soon.
• Image | ©️ Analise Zocher, Some Rights Reserved (CC BY 2.0)
• Sources | (Hekkala, et al., 2011; Lavinder & McAliley, et al., 2006; Meredith, 2011; Oaks, 2011; Shirley, 2013, 2014; Shirley, Carr, Vilet, & Austin, 2013)
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