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The American Crocodile has never had the perfect relationship with humans. One of the symbols of the earliest life on earth, the crocodile was nearly eradicated by human actions. As Florida was developed year after year, the American CrocodileÕs habitat was destroyed by beach homes and strip malls. By the 1970Õs, much the American Crocodile population was completely obliterated by poaching. Today, through the efforts of wildlife conservationists, the American Crocodile is once again becoming a prominent species in Southern Florida. (Stap, 2002) Thought of as a enormous success by ecologist and crocodile enthusiasts, the reemergence of the American Crocodiles are posing new problems that are impairing the delicate balance between human and animal cohabitants. The human-crocodile relationship is becoming strained by territorial problems and the continual issues surrounding human construction. In order to create understanding about the American Crocodile population in south Florida, education measures need to be taken with the public. Continued conservation efforts of the American Crocodile habitat will help to keep crocodiles in their proper environment. (Bragg, 1999)
A Brief Overview
The America Crocodile, scientific name, Crocodylus acutus, has been considered endangered since 1975. (Manzotti, 1999) Although the American Crocodile can be found in parts of Mexico and the Caribbean, for the focus of this research, the American Crocodile will be explored in the context of Southern Florida. The diet of the American Crocodile is composed mostly of fish, birds, and small mammals. (Villegas, 2008) The American Crocodile has been known to be confused with its close cousin, the American Alligator. However, these prehistoric looking animals can be easily distinguished by their longer, thinner snout, lighter color, and two long teeth on the lower jaw that are visible when their mouths are closed. The American Crocodile males found in Southern Florida rarely exceed 13 feet in length and can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. (Lanzetti, 2009)
The American CrocodileÕs habitat is made up of the mangrove-lined coastal lagoons, as well as fresh water lakes and rivers along the coast. As crocodiles have been growing in population, their homes have also become back yards, play grounds, public beaches, and golf courses. In 1980, the National Park Service established a Crocodile Sanctuary on the northeastern Florida Bay. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and Florida Power and Light developed a management plan for crocodiles nesting in the cooling canals. (Mazzotti, 2007) All three of these areas are nesting habitats and are being preserved. The habitats of the American Crocodile in the everglades depend on the salinity ratios. Current restoration efforts of the everglade environments have caused changes in salinity levels. Studies are being conducted to determine whether or not these changes will affect the American Crocodile habitats. (Richards, 2004) Crocodiles can withstand salt water environments, but prefer fresh water. (Stap, 2002)
Human Interaction
As the American Crocodiles have seen increased population size in the last decade, crocodile-human interaction has increased significantly. The American Crocodile still has threats. Laws protecting poaching and the use of crocodile skin have significantly reduced the risk of crocodile deaths that result from commercial use. However, the conservation of the American Crocodile needs to continue in the realm of territorial preservation. Many scientists and conservationists believe that if crocodile wildlife areas are preserved, the American Crocodile will be able to continue to thrive.
Ten years ago (time adjusted from date of article) Florida wildlife officials rarely received a complaint about a crocodile disturbance. More recently, there have been around 600 complaints a year regarding crocodile encounters. This does not even count the 12,000 complaints received each year for the crocodiles counter part, the alligator. (Walters, 1999) Crocodile populations have been steadily increasing as a result of conservation efforts and are now being considered threatened instead of endangered. The increase in population attributes to the increase amounts of complaints of crocodile disturbances. Scientists believe that alligator relocation is more a result of human intolerance rather than actual danger. Fear is the main motive behind human intolerance.
Much of the human fear associated with crocodiles can be attributed to the media. Often, the American Crocodile is portrayed as a deadly killer ready to hunt humans. (Stap, 2002) Although the American Crocodile is in fact a hunter, they are much more scared of humans. First hand accounts of crocodile activity, such as those by a pest control specialist, continue to instill fear and anger into the public. Referring to a crocodile incident, ÒOne was way up the Miami River, eating a lady's ducks," said Todd Hardwick, an alligator trapper who, more and more, answers calls to remove nuisance alligators only to find a crocodile instead. "The last one I saw, there on the Miami River, had a cat in its mouth.Ó (Bragg, 1999) Some of the fear can be justified. Deaths and injuries have resulted when human and crocodile interactions have become two close. However, these deaths are rare and can be prevented with proper education. ) Some of the fears humans feel towards crocodiles did subdue with Steve Erwin and his love and fascination with crocodiles. Using his show and love of animals as a learning tool, Steve was able to educate the public on the behavioral traits of the crocodile. Another human activity threatening crocodile populations is motor vehicles. Many of the main highways near the costal regions are prime areas for crocodile crossings and have increasingly been subject to the accidental deaths of American Crocodiles. (Mazzotti, 2007)
Creating Cohabitants
Human experiences with the American Crocodile can be educational experiences if handled with the proper precautions. A couple witnessed a female crocodile in the front yard of their home on Sanibel Island, a place where crocodiles are never found nesting. This experience was so unique and wonderful because of the shear rarity of the event. Quoting the experience of the Sanibel Crocodile, ÒFor three years, we've set records here,Ó Frank Mazzotti says. ÒThis is an endangered-species success story in progress. Habitat protection has helped the crocodile population grow from 20 breeding females in 1975 (which means a total population of 200 to 300 crocs) to 42 breeding females in 1995 (400 to 500 crocs). The animals would be helped further by the restoration of hydrological conditions in Florida Bay to yield more fresh water than the bay now receives.Ó (National Wildlife Federation, 1996)
Another large factor to continue maintaining friendly relationships between the ever growing crocodile populations and the human population in South Florida is preserving the American Crocodiles nesting habitats. As stated, water conditions greatly improve the living environment for crocodiles. Also, the three protected areas, the Crocodile Sanctuary, the Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, and the Florida Power and LightÕs Crocodile maintenance plans give the American Crocodile an area of refuge. These areas need to maintain conservation efforts in order for crocodiles to have habitats outside of human areas. (Mazzotti, 2007) Canals created for the cooling purposes of Florida Power and Light have been unusual place Crocodiles have found to nest. (Stap, 2002) Florida Power and Light has set up guidelines and policies in order to uphold conservation efforts in this area.
Education
As stated, much of the human fear associated with the America Crocodile comes from the many misconceptions about their behavior and the appropriate actions to take upon encountering a Crocodile. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation provide instructions on its website about the appropriate measures to take if a crocodile is discovered on your property or you encounter one while out. Another educator about crocodile conservation and behavior is Frank Mazzotti. As a University of Florida wildlife biologist, he has dedicated his life to the research and advancement of American Crocodiles. He uses his experience and expertise to educate others about the traits of the crocodile and common misconceptions. (Stap, 2002) He informs people that the true behavior of the American Crocodile is meek and scared of humans. MazzottiÕs goal is to continue to preserve crocodile habitats and improve the relationships between crocodiles and humans through his research and education. Mazzotti believes that the last hurdle for crocodile survival is human interaction. In order to overcome proactive measures need to be taken to continue the conservation of crocodile habitats in Southern Florida, and increase education. (Mazzotti, 2007)
Works Cited
Bragg, R. (1999, June 29). In South Florida Canals, Revival of Rare Crocodiles. New York Times
FPL. (2009) Turkey Point: Providing a Home for the American Crocodile. http://www.fpl.com/environment/plant/pdf/turkey_point_crocodile_fact_sheet.pdf
Kushlan, James A. (1989) Historic and Present Distribution of American Crocodile in Florida. Journal of Herpetology. Vol. 23, No. 1
Lanzetti, Gianfranco. (2009). American Crocodile Profile. http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/american-Crocodile.html?nav=A-Z
Mazzotti, F., Brandt, L., Moler, P., & Cherkiss, M. (2007, March). American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in Florida: Recommendations for Endangered Species Recovery and Ecosystem Restoration. Journal of Herpetology, 41(1), 124-132.
Mazzotti, F. J. (1999). The American Crocodile in Florida Bay. Estuaries, 22(2), 552 - 561.
National Wildlife Federation. There's a Crocodile in my yard. (1996, April). National Wildlife.
Ogden, John C. (1978, April) Status and Nesting Biology of the American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus in Florida. Journal of Herpetology, Vol. 12, No. 2 (Apr. 24, 1978), pp. 183-196
Richards, Paul M., Wolf M. Mooij, and Donald L. DeAngelis. "Evaluating the effect of salinity on a simulated American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) population with applications to conservation and Everglades restoration." Ecological Modelling 180.2/3 (25 Dec. 2004): 371-394. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO.
Stap, D. (2002, February). THE CROCODILE'S POWER PLAY. (Cover story). National Wildlife, 40(2), 38.
Thorbjarnarson, J., Mazzotti, F., Sanderson, E., Buitrago, F., Lazcano, M., Minkowski, K., et al. (2006, February 28). Regional habitat conservation priorities for the American Crocodile. Biological Conservation, 128(1), 25-36.
Villegas, Alejandro, and Juan Jacobo SCHMITTER-SOTO.. "FEEDING HABITS OF THE AMERICAN CROCODILE, CROCODYLUS ACUTUS (CUVIER, 1807) (REPTILIA: CROCODYLIDAE) IN THE SOUTHERN COAST OF QUINTANA ROO, MEXICO." Acta Zool—gica Mexicana 24.3 (Dec. 2008): 117-124. Academic Search Complete. EBSCO.
Walters, M. (1999, September). Frosty Welcome Back for Crocodile. Animals, 132(5), 17.
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