Arcview models of Crocodile habitat suitability of mangroves and coastal prairie in the wet and dry season The American crocodile has made a comeback in South Florida in areas where suitable habitat remains and in some areas where habitat modification has made it more attractive to crocodiles. Nesting habitat was inadvertently created through construction activities at the Turkey Point Power Plant site, at Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge and other locations has to some extent compensated for the loss of nesting habitat elsewhere.
Although the presence of crocodiles throughout south Florida is good news for this endangered species, it does present challenges for land and water managers. As crocodiles continue to increase in number and occupy new areas, encounters with humans will increase, thus, more complaints. Therefore we need a proactive educational program describing the recovery of this endangered species.
This knowledge could be used to prepare people for the arrival of crocodiles into new areas and aid in the continuation of what is currently a successful recovery program. A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to the field work. Mazzotti, F. Orlando, FL. Scientific Name: Crocodylus acutus. Type: Reptiles. Diet: Carnivore. Group Name: Bask on land , float in water. Size: Up to 15 feet. Weight: Up to 2, pounds. Size relative to a 6-ft man:. Least Concern Extinct.
Current Population Trend: Increasing. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram. Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo.
Share Tweet Email. The American crocodile inhabits brackish or saltwater areas and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps. American crocodiles occur in South Florida and also can be found in Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, along the Caribbean coast from southern Mexico to Venezuela, and along the Pacific coast from Mexico to Peru.
Occasionally, crocodiles are encountered inland in freshwater areas along the southern Florida coast Distribution map data from: Krysko et al. Like alligators, crocodiles are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Crocodiles control their body temperature by basking in the sun, or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures.
A basking crocodile may be surprised by an approaching person and quickly and noisily enter the water. This behavior might startle the person, but it should not be misunderstood. Crocodiles would normally enter the water quietly; splashing away indicates that the crocodile is frightened. Crocodiles can also be seen sunning with their mouths open, or "gaping. The diet of the American crocodiles primarily consists of small mammals, birds, frogs, turtles, and fish Fishman et al.
Male crocodiles begin courting females in late January and early February. Crocodiles are ectothermic and therefore control their body temperature by basking in the sun, or moving to areas with warmer or cooler air or water temperatures.
Courting rituals can be extensive, often lasting for days. Males initiate courting by quickly and consecutively performing head slaps, and the female will raise her snout and arch her tail if she is interested.
American crocodiles are found in southern Florida, the Caribbean, southern Mexico and along the Central American coast south to Venezuela. Both are found in freshwater wetland areas. An estimated 5 million American alligators are spread out across the southeastern United States.
Roughly 1. There are more than 1, American crocodiles, not including hatchlings, in Florida. Large male alligators are solitary, territorial animals. The largest males and females will defend prime territory. Smaller alligators can often be found in large numbers in close proximity to each other, because smaller alligators have a higher tolerance of other alligators within a similar size class. Decidedly less aggressive than the infamous Nile and Australian crocodiles, American crocodiles are shy, reclusive and rarely seen by people.
Alligators Eggs generally hatch in mid-August. Crocodiles In April or May, the female crocodile will build a nest of loose dirt in a mound by the water's edge and lay her eggs. She buries the eggs and fiercely guards her nest. When the eggs hatch in July or early August, the female helps carry her young to the water.
But, unlike the alligator, she will not continue to care for her young. Thank you! Main navigation Wildlife. American Crocodile and Alligator. Beluga Whale. Bighorn Sheep. Black-Footed Ferret. California Condor. Florida Manatee. Florida Panther. Canada Lynx. Freshwater Fishes. Freshwater Mussels. Golden-Cheeked Warbler. Grizzly Bear. Horseshoe Crab.
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