There are twenty-three species in total that comprise majestic reptiles of the order. Known more commonly as crocodiles. Forming a living link to the age of the dinosaurs, these remarkable predators evolved over 200 million years ago and are crucial links in ecosystems all over the world to this day. Although crocodilian populations have tended to decline where humans live – and particularly where they are over-hunted for their prized hides – conservation efforts since 1970 helped most species recover to an abundance level that means little chance of extinction. There are still several endangered crocodilian species, however, and the Republic of Burundi pays tribute to continued conservation measures with the 2023 5 oz Antique Burundi Silver Protecting Wildlife Crocodile Coin. Issued in 2023, first in the Protecting Wildlife series! Limited mintage of only 799 coins! Contains 5 Troy oz of. Face value of 100 Francs, backed by the Republic of Burundi. Obverse side features the coat of arms of Burundi. Reverse side features an ultra-high-relief engraving of a crocodile in the wild. The Protecting Wildlife series uses beautiful bullion collectibles to promote awareness of the need to protect and conserve some of the world’s most iconic species of wildlife. Four species of crocodile are still endangered today in China, Brazil, Indonesia and India, and the first issue in the series provides a vivid celebration of the ancient and majestic reptilian predators in full five ounces of pure silver, with an antiqued finish that beautifully accentuates the collectible’s ultra high-relief engravings. The coin’s obverse side features the Republic’s coat of arms and its motto in both French and Swahili, along with the inscriptions “IBANKI YA REPUBLIKA Y’UBURUNDI, ” “2023, ” 5 oz. 999 Ag” and “100 Francs. The reverse side features a vivid, ultra-high-relief sculpture of a crocodile on a rock amidst the reeds of its native wetlands habitat, with its tail curled protectively around a clutch of eggs.