American Crocodile Nest Survey and Monitoring Final Report
Moler PE. American Crocodile Nest Survey and Monitoring Final Report. Study No. 7533; Federal No. E-1 II-C-2. Bureau of Wildlife Research; Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission. Tallahassee, Florida
During the period 1978-1991, 76 nesting events were recorded on Key Largo. Of the 71 nests for which fate is known, 37 (52%) were successful. For the years for which complete data are available (1979-1990), 373 hatchlings were produced from 34 successful nests. This represents only about 32.4 % of the theoretical reproductive potential from these nests. Nest depredation occurred only rarely on Key largo, and does not appear to be a significant problem. Seemingly the greatest constraint on American crocodile reproductive success on Key Largo is embryonic mortality resulting from desiccation in years of low rainfall.
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Moler, Paul
- Publisher
- Bureau of Wildlife Research; Florida Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission
- Units
- EVER
- Keywords
- American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), Hatching Success, Key Largo, Nest, Rainfall, Survey