American Crocodile Countrywide Population Survey

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is one of two crocodile species that inhabits Belize. This species primarily inhabits coastal cayes, estuaries, and brackish water mangrove wetlands, and is recovering from near extirpation in Belize as a result of over-harvesting in the early 1900s. It is currently listed as “Vulnerable” under the International Union for Conservation and Nature (IUCN) throughout its range, however, in Belize the species is considered Critically Endangered based on data collected during the 1995-1997 countrywide survey in which only 250 American crocodiles were observed (Platt, S. G., and J. Thorbjarnarson. 2000. Status and conservation of the American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Belize. Biological Conservation 90: 13–20). Results from the original surveys reported Belize to be among the lowest encounter rates reported for the region (0.28 crocodiles/km surveyed).

As of January 2019, the population status of the American crocodile in Belize is data deficient, and it is unknown whether populations have recovered since the original surveys or if increased shoreline development and coastal pollution has affected recovery. Additionally, there is no conservation or management plan for the species. In collaboration with the Belize Forest Department, the CRC has initiated a countrywide survey of the American crocodile in May 2019 to assess the current population in order to establish a much needed conservation management program in concomitance to assisting wildlife managers, conservationists, and other key stakeholders in the decision-making process that can mitigate human-crocodile conflicts and protect critical habitat. This is of particular importance as coastline development is increasing in Belize, greatly impacting and diminishing American crocodile habitat (particularly nesting habitat), and potentially driving increased introgression between the American crocodile and Morelet’s crocodile. By protecting crocodile habitat, we anticipate the conservation efforts will have a positive umbrella effect, protecting and conserving species that are not well known or studied, in addition to furthering protection of natural resources.

Our project encompasses 5 parts: habitat monitoring, nocturnal eyeshine survey, capture and mark survey, nest survey and community outreach. Upon completion of the project, the CRC will work with government and key stakeholders to develop the 1st

Conservation and Management Action Plan for the American Crocodile in Belize to ensure its survival for future generations.