By the middle of the 20th century, American alligator populations were severely depleted. In commercial and recreational hunting was outlawed across the country, and in , it was listed under the Endangered Species Preservation Act of a precursor to the Endangered Species Act of The U. A special thanks to everyone who has contributed to the field work. Mazzotti, F. Orlando, FL.
Mazzotti, Michael S. Cherkiss Abstract The American crocodile Crocodylus acutus is primarily a coastal crocodilian that is at the northern end of its range in southern Florida. Background The American crocodile is a primarily tropical species reaching the northern end of its range in southern Florida. Undiscovered until , the American crocodile has always been considered rare in Florida.
Habitat loss in southeastern Florida has been the primary reason for population decline. Distribution of the American Crocodile Historical distribution in Florida of the American crocodile Research, Monitoring and Modeling The population biology of the American crocodile in southern Florida has been studied through surveys for crocodiles and nests by a number of individuals and groups since the 's.
Our current efforts focus on determining the status of crocodiles in Florida as part of the Multi-Species Recovery Plan and evaluating the effects of alternative water delivery plans to the Everglades and Biscayne Bay estuaries as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. Greater Everglades.
Northwest Florida. Rocky Mountains. Sagebrush Sea. Sky Islands. Southern Appalachians. Temperate Rainforest. Texas Hill Country. Wetlands and Rivers. Our Work. Conserving Imperiled Species. Advocating for International Species.
Protecting Habitat. Promoting Coexistence. Defending Conservation Laws. Innovating for Wildlife Conservation. Combating Climate Change. Fighting Invasive Species. Speaking for Wildlife. Where We Work. Wildlife Nation. Take Action. Add Your Voice. Attend an Event. Check Out the Activist Toolkit. Advocate in Your State.
Become an Ambassador. Hold Congress Accountable. Get Email Alerts. Furthermore, crocodiles have been increasingly found in public parks, golf courses and marinas creating conflicts between humans and crocodiles.
The result has been the removal of crocodiles from critical habitats. The major challenge for the present and future recovery of crocodiles lies in public education and ecosystem management. Respect their nature - crocodiles are shy and they want to be left alone so observe them from a safe distance.
If we continue to protect and restore habitat for crocodiles, South Florida crocodiles will prosper. However, if we are unable to change people's misconceptions about crocodiles and allay their fears, crocodile recovery will become an increasingly difficult task.
The answer lies in linking Everglades restoration with crocodile ecology, the health of the Everglades with the health of crocodile populations, by using crocodiles as indicators of the success of restoring natural freshwater flows to estuaries.
More importantly, we need to educate concerned citizens who feel threatened by the presence of American crocodiles in their neighborhood that conflicts rarely occur unless an animal is provoked.
It is possible to coexist peacefully with crocodiles if people are ready to embrace their responsibility to protect an endangered species.
Education promoting the tolerance and understanding of crocodile behavior and habitat has assisted in the survival of crocodiles throughout the world. We should not allow ungrounded fears and lack of awareness to interfere with the recovery of the American crocodile. Safe and responsible behavior : Swim in daylight hours only in areas designated as safe, and never alone. Dispose of fish scraps in garbage bins, and keep your pet away from crocodile-inhabited areas.
Dangerous and irresponsible behavior : Taunting, touching, teasing or attempting to move a crocodile could potentially create a harmful situation, as could swimming in areas with crocodiles.
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