CONSERVATION:
The validity of C. moreletii was confused until the 1920s, as it was unsure where the type specimen had originated from - Guatemala or Cuba. It was therefore confused with both C. acutus and C. rhombifer.
Due to the high quality of the skin (i.e. a lack of ventral osteoderms), numbers of Morelet's crocodile were severely depleted by hunting during the middle of this century, and the trend continues through further illegal and indiscriminate taking of skins. Increased development of the rainforest areas is also threatening the survival of the species. There has been a reduction in density near human population centres in Belize, for example, and although the species is said to be widely distributed in Mexico, it appears that habitat destruction may be causing a steady decline. Despite this, there are notable exceptions to the declining trend (e.g. Sian Kaán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico). Data exist for the status of the population over most of its range, although much of this is incomplete (especially in Guatemala). Current protection for the species is fairly ineffective. The species is also being bred outside its natural range, a fact which has led to problems through escaped animals
establishing feral populations. These populations compete with native crocodilian species (e.g. escapes from farms in Mexico are threatening populations of C. acutus).
Biology and ecology of this species is still little known, although more data are becoming available from ongoing studies in Belize. Development of sustainable use programs is also underway - commercial farming operations have appeared, and both Belize and Guatemala have shown interest in sustainable management programs. More complete survey data are required first, however.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on distribution and conservation issues for this species,see the CSG Action Plan resource.
SIGNIFICANT REFERENCES:
Alvarez del Toro, M (1974). Los Crocodylia de Mexico. Instituto Mexicano de Recursos Naturales Renovables.
Hunt, H (1975). Maternal behavior in the Morelet's crocodile, Crocodylus moreletii. Copeia 1975: 763-764
Hunt, H (1977). Aggressive behavior by adult Morelet's crocodiles, Crocodylus moreletii towards young. Herpetologica 33: 195-201
Perez-Higareda, G (1980). Notes on nesting of Crocodylus moreletii in Southern Veracruz, Mexico. Bull. Maryland Herp. Soc. 16: 52-53
Platt, S (1994). Crocodylus moreletii and Crocodylus acutus in Belize. Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 13(4): 15-16