FIU Researcher Featured in National Geographic Series
Matthew Shirley shares findings on dwarf crocodiles in the network's new seven-part docuseries, Africa: Earth's Wild Home.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Wildlife
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Florida International University researcher Matthew Shirley has been featured in a new National Geographic docuseries highlighting his work with dwarf crocodiles in Gabon. The seven-part series showcases discoveries regarding crocodile species that emerged from four years of filming.
Why it matters
The research led by Shirley, a professor at the FIU Global Forensic Science and Justice Center, recently identified three distinct species of dwarf crocodile where scientists previously recognized only one. This work highlights local academic contributions to international wildlife conservation.
Researchers identified three distinct dwarf crocodile species in Gabon, expanding on previous understanding. The work was captured over a four-year filming period for the National Geographic docuseries.
The players
Matthew Shirley
A research assistant professor at the FIU Global Forensic Science and Justice Center and co-chair of the IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group.
Florida International University
The Miami-based research institution where Matthew Shirley conducts his work.
The details
Matthew Shirley, who also serves as co-chair of the IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group, appears in the second episode of the series, titled Jungle. His field research in West Africa will continue to focus on cave adaptations. The full seven-part docuseries is now available to stream on Disney plus and Hulu.
Timeline
The docuseries premiered on the National Geographic channel on October 2, 2026.
The magazine issue featuring Shirley was released in October 2026.
Beyond the 305
This work follows the research standards set by the IUCN Pangolin Specialist Group's species conservation protocols in prioritizing detailed taxonomic identification for endangered wildlife management. Shirley's discoveries represent a significant update to how researchers categorize species in West Africa.
Residents can view the work of this local FIU faculty member on streaming platforms as he continues his research. The findings offer a new perspective on wildlife biodiversity being conducted by scientists based here in the 305.
The takeaway
The discovery of three distinct dwarf crocodile species shifts our understanding of African wildlife taxonomy. Viewers can watch Matthew Shirley's work in the second episode of the series on Disney plus or Hulu.
Further reading
Learn more about local scientific efforts in our Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Miami's Community News.
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