The American Crocodile in Biscayne Bay Florida

Authors: Michael S Cherkiss Stephanie S Romañach Frank J Mazzotti

Publish Date: 2011/02/25

Volume: 34, Issue: 3, Pages: 529-535

PDF Link

Abstract

Intensive crocodile monitoring programs conducted during the late 1970s and early 1980s in southern Florida resulted in an optimistic outlook for recovery of the protected species population However some areas with suitable crocodile habitat were not investigated such as Biscayne Bay and the mainland shorelines of Barnes and Card Sounds The objective of our study was to determine status and habitat use of crocodiles in the aforementioned areas Spotlight and nesting surveys were conducted from September 1996 to December 2005 The results revealed annual increases in the number of crocodiles Crocodiles preferred protected habitats such as canals and ponds Fewer crocodiles were observed in higher salinity water The distribution and abundance of crocodilians in estuaries is directly dependent on timing amount and location of freshwater delivery providing an opportunity to integrate habitat enhancement with ongoing ecosystem restoration and management activitiesWe thank the many field biologists who worked with us over the years often under harsh field conditions to collect these data We thank the US Geological Survey Greater Everglades Priority Ecosystem Science National Park Service FWS US Army Corps of Engineers FWC South Florida Water Management District Miami Dade Natural Areas Management Florida Department of Environmental Protection Florida State Parks Deering Bay Golf Course and Florida Power and Light Company for their support of this project and for providing access to data and study sites We are especially grateful to R Curry D Jennings S Klett P Moler L Hord J Maguire R Skinner R Whethy J Wasilewski and R Wilcox from those agencies for their commitment to research and monitoring of crocodiles in Florida K Hines M Brien A Litt R Harvey and K Rice helped with preparation of this manuscript All permits and approval for research on this endangered species were obtained from permitting agencies and are available for inspection upon request to the senior author Use of trade product or firm names does not imply endorsement by the US Government or the authors

Keywords: