Contestants kill, eat rare crocodile on Bear Grylls' reality show

Bear Grylls' new reality survival show is continuing to court controversy.

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

The British series is up to season two and 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 in the UK overnight, 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.

@BearGrylls killing a crocodile for entertainment is sick, don't even know how you can justify it

— jessica (@jessicawhytex) April 22, 2015

#beargrylls that was a crocodile you killed That is protected by the endangered species act. For tv ? Disgusting @ShamwariCNSVXP

— victoria herman (@VictoriaTrainer) April 22, 2015

@BearGrylls Killing a #crocodile for the sake of entertainment is not big and is not clever #ch4

— Julian Seal (@SportsTrek2012) April 22, 2015

I know they've got to to like survive and all but that poor crocodile... #beargrylls

— HE FOLLOWED ME❤️❤️ (@B_IsForBieber) April 22, 2015

It's not the only outcry over Grylls' new show: viewers complained of feeling sick during one episode of the show when two contestants were administered painful enemas.

It has already faced accusations that part of the show had been staged along with accusations that those taking part in the reality show had taken part in similar survival challenges and were not "ordinary men".

There were claims of sexism when the show was first announced, with its all-male cast for season one criticised.

The first season of the show aired on TV One in New Zealand.

- Independent