Local conservationists have debunked claims that Jamaica is experiencing overpopulation of endangered species, particularly crocodiles. Instead, they say, the animals are facing a decline in numbers.

According to the experts, what some people may interpret as overpopulation, due to more frequent sightings, is actually the result of habitat loss, forcing the animals to move into more visible areas.

“One of the things that many people will tell you, ‘But is nuff crocodiles I see here.’ If you check it, most of our wetlands are getting smaller and one of the places that you normally go in St Elizabeth, that’s the Swamp Safari, you’re not seeing a large number of crocodiles. The majority of our crocodiles now are found in areas where you have human presence, based on us throwing waste, and also some of the areas that we modify, so you encounter them,” terrestrial biologist Damion Whyte explained.

His comments were corroborated by JAMCROC Initiative founder Treya Ann Picking.

“We are seeing a decline in our wetland habitats and our wetland areas in Jamaica. So, the more and more we encroach onto these wetlands is the more interactions we’re going to get between humans and crocodiles,” Picking told the Jamaica Observer.

Alex Simpson, the assistant science officer and lead enforcement officer at Caribbean Coastal Area Management, also pointed to urbanisation among several factors driving the displacement of the animals.

“Climate change also affects them,” Simpson said, adding that forest fires, too, have an impact.

“When I say forest fires, I don’t mean in the forest. One of the habitats that they populate are salt marshes, like coastal salt marshes, but these salt marshes are very susceptible to wildfire, and in some cases locals will also burn them due to the fact that they’re going crab hunting. So they are aware that crocodiles are in the area; however, they are afraid of the crocodiles, so what they will do is that they will light the area in an attempt to scare the animals from that area so that they can safely go through and search for crabs. When this happens, it pushes the crocodiles out of that habitat and they’re forced to search for a new habitat,” Simpson explained.

The conservationists were responding to comments by readers to the Sunday Observer’s ‘Endangered Delicacies’ series which ran over three weeks. The series examined human appetite for crocodile, turtle, and glass eel meat, driven mostly by myths that they have erotic benefits. The series also pointed to the lucrative trade in the animals.

One reader claimed on Instagram that the crocodile population in Jamaica has exploded. “They are all over the place,” the reader stated, adding that the animals are “on the Spanish Town highway causing accidents” and are “in the gullies”.

Another challenged the known fact that the species are indigenous to the island, saying, “These reptiles were introduced to the island and are not native to our wildlife. They are successfully breeding and are now overpopulated. They are creating havoc on the island and now moving out of their habitats and taking over human spaces. They are also eating up most of the fish… if they eradicate all of them, I wouldn’t mind.”

Another reader questioned the role of crocodiles in the environment, saying, “They don’t really serve any purpose to the Jamaican ecosystem, so not sure why there’s any concern about them going extinct. We love going to rivers to swim and swamp lands to catch crab, but we invariably have to be wary of these critters. We may as well enjoy the delicacies before they turn us into it.”

Yet another reader stated, “A time now for them to go extinct, they are too dangerous.”

However, Picking countered: “Our crocodiles are more likely to flee at the sight of humans than attack… They primarily feed on fish, crabs, birds, crustaceans, and decaying matter. They don’t typically go for larger prey such as cats, dogs, goats, or livestock.”

She noted, though, that crocodiles “are opportunistic predators… so, that’s why we do, unfortunately, get situations where crocodiles do go for people’s goats, now and again, when they’re wandering into crocodile habitat; and now and again we may find that a large male crocodile has attempted to take someone’s cow”.

“They’re very good at cleaning up the rivers, that’s one of their ecological roles — keeping our water sources clean and our mangroves healthy,” Picking said.

The National Environment and Planning Agency has repeatedly appealed to the public to desist from capturing or harming crocodiles, noting that they are typically docile but can be aggressive when harassed.

“They feel like they know how to catch the crocodile and some of the guys even jump in water fighting the animal. Crocodiles are very dangerous and people can injure themselves doing it. So that’s why we tell people desist from it, because when the animal hurts [them], a number of people call environmentalists like me and cuss and say, ‘You are protecting man-eater that’s killing people’,” Whyte explained further.

The American crocodile, which is native to Jamaica, is featured on our Coat of Arms, which was created in 1661. The national symbol represents the island’s unique wildlife and heritage. But does that hold significance for Jamaicans?

Natural History Museum of Jamaica zoologist Elizabeth Morrison attributes the disconnect to various traditional beliefs and superstitions associated with crocodiles and lizards that have shaped negative perceptions over time.

“In Jamaica, crocodiles and lizards are often viewed with fear and superstition due to religious and cultural beliefs. Christian teachings associate reptiles with deception, while African-derived spiritual practices, such as Obeah, link them to bad luck or supernatural forces. These beliefs have contributed to negative perceptions, leading many to avoid or even harm these animals,” Morrison explained.

She further noted that historically, components of crocodiles were used in traditional medicine — their fat and oils were believed to treat ailments like asthma and joint pain, while their teeth and bones were worn as protective amulets. Although these practices have declined, she said that illegal hunting of crocodiles for other reasons persists.

Despite this, the zoologist believes that Jamaicans hold a deep pride in their environment and native species, but said this sometimes fails to manifest in proactive conservation efforts.

“While Jamaicans take pride in national symbols like the crocodile on the Coat of Arms, this symbolism does not always translate into active conservation efforts. Therefore, more effort is needed to educate them about the country’s unique biodiversity and rich ecosystems. Training in environmental stewardship is also crucial,” Morrison said.

She argued the desire to remove or kill crocodiles possibly highlights the conflict between protecting wildlife and ensuring human safety.

“Many Jamaicans, especially those living near rivers and wetlands, see crocodiles as a direct threat or danger to their lives and livelihoods. This mindset treats animals as either useful or harmful. It also suggests that many people may not realise how crocodiles help keep the ecosystem balanced. As a result, some communities develop hostile attitudes toward crocodiles, believing they must kill them as a precaution against any future harm the crocodile could cause them,” she explained.

Morrison believes the prevailing disregard for conservation in Jamaica can be traced to a combination of economic pressures, limited education, and weak law enforcement.

“Many people prioritise daily survival over environmental concerns, especially when crocodiles threaten their livelihoods. While environmental education has improved, many remain unaware of conservation laws or view them as disconnected from realities. Additionally, weak enforcement of wildlife laws further undermines conservation, as the lack of consequences encourages harmful practices,” she said.

“While more people, including Jamaicans, are paying attention to environmental issues, conservation is still not seen as a top priority. Problems like climate change and wildlife loss feel distant rather than urgent. Plus, the local news mainly focuses on crime, politics, and the economy, and environmental issues often go unnoticed,” Morrison added.

To learn more about the country’s native species, visit the Natural History Museum of Jamaica.

MORRISON… in Jamaica, crocodiles and lizards are often viewed with fear and superstition due to religious and cultural beliefs

SIMPSON… urbanisation among several factors driving the displacement of crocodiles

WHYTE… crocodiles are typically docile but can be aggressive when harassed