THERE can be no question of the fear that any sighting of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) instills in locals. It is fear that often leads to the capture and subsequent abuse of the animal at the hands of locals who time and again have been regaled with tales of crocodiles attacking livestock or venturing into territory where they are not wanted.

One of 22 endangered animals covered under Jamaica’s Wildlife and Protection Act, the American Crocodile is found in tropical wetlands, such as the mangroves of St Thomas.

It spends a lot of time in salt water estuaries (the section of the mouth or lower course of a river where the river current meets the sea’s tide).

The adults of the species are able to survive hypersaline (very salty) conditions, while juveniles cannot. While it is not considered a marine animal, the Crocodylus acutus has nonetheless been observed far out at sea.

Outside of Jamaica, and by extension the Caribbean, the American Crocodile may be found in southern Florida, southern Mexico, and along the Central American coast south to Venezuela.

Identifying the Crocodylus acutus

Juveniles are of a distinct greenish colour with some black markings, while those that fall within the category of “half-grown” and “young adult” appear olive. Those well advanced in years are a dull grey.

The American Crocodile has a long, narrow snout and lower teeth, which are visible even when its mouth is closed. Adult crocodiles are seven to 15 feet long and weigh between 150 and 450 pounds.

Survival of the species

Males and females mate with several different partners during the mating period. The female must get the male’s attention through visual, tactile, olfactory and audible signals.

At the same time, she must reduce the male’s aggressiveness through the exposure of her throat by raising her head in a gesture of peace. Mating later occurs.

Females lay a clutch of up to 40 eggs, but only a few of the young survive to become adults. The female guards the nest and helps in hatching. Both males and females guard hatchlings. They maintain dens near nest sites.

Eating habits

The American crocodile feeds largely on fish and other small marine life. The very large members of the species may feed on small mammals, birds and turtles.

Threats

There are a variety of threats to the American crocodile. They include being hunted for their hides, which are used to make items such as belts, boots and handbags.

They also face the threat of a loss of habitat due to the construction of human settlements. Their habitat may also destroyed by unsound environmental practices, such as the wanton destruction of mangroves for coal burning.

There have also been cases where the American Crocodile encounters cars or boats or fish nets, and still instances where it is hunted by people out of fear.

Sources:

animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Crocodylus_acutus.html; and www.npca.org/marine_and_coastal/marine_wildlife/crocodile.html

We continue our series on Jamaica’s endangered species this week with a look at the American crocodile.

Have questions, comments?

E-mail Petre Williams at williamsp@jamaicaobserver.com