# @natgeo on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeEsdp9ISZf
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71327405-natgeo-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/40fdbbe2ea.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-04T13:02:58.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** National Geographic (@NatGeo) — https://gondola.cc/NatGeo

## Caption

Presented by Rolex. Conservation ecologist and Rolex National Geographic Perpetual Planet Explorer Matt Shirley has spent years working alongside scientists across Africa to uncover the secret lives of dwarf crocodiles, a timid species that emerges from burrows at night to feed. Despite thriving in a variety of ecosystems, the world’s smallest crocodiles are facing commercial overharvesting and habitat loss. Through his work, Shirley is discovering the ways these tenacious reptiles are hanging on and adapting to their ever-changing environment. 

Through its partnership with the National Geographic Society and as part of its Perpetual Planet Initiative, #Rolex supports expeditions exploring and protecting remarkable places around the world, a selection of which are featured in #AfricaEarthsWildHome. #PerpetualPlanet

Discover more about dwarf crocodiles and the conservation plans to help them thrive at the link in bio.

Photograph by Robin Hammond (hammond_robin)

## Stats

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- **Comments:** 78

## Tags

perpetualplanet, africaearthswildhome, rolex

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