CONSERVATION:
Decline in numbers was primarily due to demand for the high-quality skin of this species, mainly from 1930 to 1960 - and it is perhaps ironic that this high-value skin now makes sustainable use management programs feasible. Presently, continuing hunting (on a lesser scale) combined with habitat destruction (e.g. destruction of coastal mangrove habitat in Ecuador for aquaculture) are the most immediate threats. In Nicaragua, for example, illegal hunting occurs during the legal harvesting of caimans.
Although information on population and behavioural ecology is well documented, inadequate survey data are available except in the United States. Current studies will hopefully improve this situation. Presently, it appears that while the species has the most wide-ranging distribution of any New World crocodile, it is depleted to a 'significant' extent over most of its range, particularly so over almost a third of this. In a few areas, populations are considered to be relatively healthy (e.g. Belize and Cuba). C. acutus is completely protected in most countries where it occurs, but the enforcement of this protection is often inadequate - although management programs exist in 8 countries within its range, legislation is ineffective or simply not acted upon. In addition, it can be difficult to distinguish the skin from other crocodilian species, making enforcement more difficult. Other measures include farming and ranching in a small number of countries. This is likely to expand (e.g. Colombia, Jamaica), although the status of wild populations from which stock would no-doubt be taken must be carefully monitored, once basic survey data have been compiled. A percentage of farmed stock should be incorporated into a reintroduction program (this strategy is necessary in Cuba to assist the recovery of wild populations, as farming has been successful). In other areas (e.g. Venezuela), much crocodile habitat exists, but there are few crocodiles remaining. A restocking program would help to ensure the continued survival of these populations. Successful programs include a population of C. acutus at Lago Enriquillo in the Dominican Republic, which has a stable population of around 200 animals, together with a genetic reserve of growing juveniles in captivity. In the US, the Fish and Wildlife service formulated a recovery plan in 1984 for this species, centering around habitat protection and management, regular population surveys, reduction in mortality (increased education, plus other measures such as road crossing culverts) and the consideration of captive propagation. Major threats in the US are from habitat removal (e.g. mangrove swamps outside the Everglades National Park) and direct human disturbance (e.g. shooting, road-kills, gill-net fishing, vandalism and other disturbance of nests) which, although low, may be higher than the recruitment rate of the remaining crocodile population. In 1993, 34 nests were recorded in Florida, and the number is steadily growing.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on distribution and conservation issues for this species,see the CSG
Action Plan resource.
DENTITION:
