The Island with Bear Grylls under fire after male contestants kill and eat rare crocodile

Channel 4 has apologised for the 'genuine and regrettable' error airing tonight

Charlie feels the lack of food on The Island with Bear Grylls

Bear Grylls’ reality TV show The Island has sparked controversy after its male contestants accidentally killed and ate a rare species of crocodile.

The Channel 4 series sees adventurer Grylls drop groups of men and women on desert islands in the Pacific to test their survival skills and endurance.

But in scenes set to air at 9pm tonight, the hungry participants’ error in making an American crocodile their dinner has forced bosses to apologise.

The large reptile is protected under the Endangered Species Act, meaning it is forbidden from being killed, poached or harassed in any way.

“This was a genuine and regrettable error,” a Channel 4 spokesperson said. “Prior to filming, experts were consulted to ascertain species on both islands and the American crocodile was not known to be in the area or on the island.”

It is believed the contestants mistook the crocodile for a common caiman after feeling the effects of a severe lack of food.

“The relevant national environment agency are aware of the incident and have granted a licence to replace the animal which has now been done,” the statement continued.

The Island with Bear Grylls has come under fire before, when some scenes were revealed to have been set up by producers and four “ordinary” contestants were found to have professional survival experience.