THE AMERICAN CROCODILE

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a species of crocodilian found in the tropics. It is the most widespread of the four species of crocodiles from the Americas. Like all true crocodilians, the American crocodile is a quadruped, with four short, stocky legs, a long, powerful tail and a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail. Its snout is elongated and includes a strong pair of jaws. Their narrow heads and long snouts is what distinguishes them from alligators. Its eyes have nictitating membranes for protection along with lacrimal glands, which produce tears.

The adult American crocodile is a greenish-gray crocodilian with black mottling. They can reach lengths of about 3.8 m, although in other portions of their range, individual crocodiles may reach 6.0 m. Like all other crocodilians, males are larger than females. All adults have a hump above the eyes which may or may not be distinct, and irregular, asymmetrical dorsal armoring. Hatchlings measure approximately 27 cm and are normally yellowish tan to gray with dark crossmarkings on the body and tail.These markings fade as the animal grows.

The American crocodile can be found very often in Jardines de la Reina, in shallow seagrass areas and mangrove channels and they nest in beaches. They are very attractive for photographers as these crocs are easy to find, and it is relatively safe to go in the water with them to take good pictures.

Diet

Primarily fish, and other aquatic species including turtles and crabs. Also takes birds. Feeds primarily at night. Juveniles take small fish and invertebrates. Crocodiles eat almost anything that moves and some things that do not, and the bigger the crocodiles, the bigger their prey. Hatchlings and young crocodiles eat small fish, snails, crustaceans, and insects. Adult crocodiles feed at night on schooling fish, crabs, turtles, snakes, and Jutias (small mammals) 

Reproduction

Crocodilian reproduction is the most advanced among reptiles. Courtship and nesting are complex. Sexual maturity depends on both the size and age of the animal. Unlike birds and mammals, the sex of embryos is not determined at fertilization, but by the temperature at which the eggs are incubated. It is likely that courtship occurs in late January and February and peaks 6 to 8 weeks before nesting. During this period, crocodiles remain in their inland habitats of mangrove swamps.

Crocodile courtship consists of a complex and varied sequence of behaviors that can last for minutes or hours and is performed repeatedly over the course of the courtship period, which may last for several days. After courtship, the male and female part company and may seek other partners.

Conservation and status

The American crocodile is found in about 18 countries in the northern tropics. As the American crocodile produces a commercially valuable skin, the principal reason for past declines in population size can be attributed to the extensive commercial overexploitation that occurred during the last 30 years. Current threats are habitat destruction and in some areas continued hunting. In Jardines de la Reina Marine Park this species is protected and is one of the examples of how valuable are animals when conservation is related with tourism, as this is one of the biggest attractions of the park.

Investigation on ecology

Information on genetic diversity, home range and habitat used by the American crocodile would assist decision-makers dealing with the human-crocodile conflict, and for developing management programs in general to protect the species.