FIU Researcher Spotlighted in National Geographic African Wildlife Series

Cutler Bay residents can watch FIU researcher Matthew Shirley on the National Geographic series “Africa: Earth’s Wild Home” this month. Shirley, a research assistant professor at FIU’s Global Forensic Science and Justice Center and a National Geographic Explorer, appears in the second episode, titled “Jungle,” which premiered Oct. 2. The series explores Africa's diverse wildlife, landscapes and conservation efforts.

Shirley’s segment focuses on his research into dwarf crocodiles in Gabon, specifically a population that lives permanently in caves. This work, which identified three distinct dwarf crocodile species where only one was previously recognized, also appears in the October issue of National Geographic magazine. Shirley is the only scientist actively researching these cave-dwelling crocodiles, which have adapted to their lightless, corrosive environment.

His research indicates these crocodiles are in better physical condition than their forest-dwelling counterparts, prompting further investigation into their specialized vision, morphology and physiology. The docuseries and magazine feature aim to bring these lesser-known aspects of African wildlife to a wider audience.

Shirley also contributed his expertise to the October National Geographic magazine on pangolin conservation, highlighting his role as co-chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Pangolin Specialist Group. The docuseries is presented by Rolex as part of the Perpetual Planet Initiative and narrated by Wunmi Mosaku. Episode two is available for next-day streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.