Population biology of the American crocodile

Kushlan, James; Mazzotti, Frank

The population biology of the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) was studied in southern Florida, mainly within the northeastern portion of Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, during 1977-1982. Crocodiles occur primarily in inland mangroves protected from wave action. Females use the open waters of Florida Bay only for access to nesting sites. Individuals have large (86-262 ha), overlapping activity areas. Nesting occurs in spring and summer. Clutches averaging 38 eggs were laid both in holes and mounds in the ground. It was found that the number nests have not declined in recent years. Hatchling failure occurred as a result of infertility, predation, and embryonic mortality. Seventy-eight percent of nests hatched some young. All expected age classes occurred in the population. At least 45 crocodiles have been released into southern Florida in 17 years. The authors estimate the southern Florida population to be about 220 + 78 adults and subadults. Study Period: 1977-1982; Study Type: Quantitative, qualitative; Gear Type: Field observations-Boat/aircraft/canoe, capture technique-hand/neck noose, radio transmitters; Habitat: Marsh, Mangrove swamp-pools/lakes/creeks/flats, Florida Bay (nearshore) beaches; Biological Component: Marine reptile; Abiotic Parameters Measured: Air & water temp., salinity, wave action, water level & depth; Dominant Taxon/Taxa Studied: American crocodile.

Population biology of the American crocodile

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