In what year did genetic studies formally recognize the West African crocodile populations as a separate species, $\textit{Crocodylus suchus}$?
Answer
2011
Genetic mapping utilizing DNA sequencing in 2011 established that the crocodile populations inhabiting West and Northwest Africa were genetically distinct enough to warrant recognition as the separate species, the West African crocodile, $\textit{Crocodylus suchus}$.

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