American Crocodile
Rafael Kreie
Introduction
The american crocodile scientific name is Crocodylus acutus. A prehistoric-looking creature,it is distinguishable from its cousin,the American alligator, by its longer,thinner snout, Its lighter color, and two long teeth on the lower jaw that are visible when its mouth is closed. This species is among the largest of the worlds crocodiles , with Central and South america males reaching lengths up to 20 feet. Males in the U.S population rarely exceed 13 feet. Adults are brown in color with darker cross-bands on their tails, and they have stocky bodies and a long powerful tail. The legs are short, but muscular with sharp claws. The snout is triangular and contains 14 to 15 sharp teeth inside. This specie lived up to 70 years in wild life.
Diet
Their diet consists mainly of small mammals, birds, fish, crabs, insects, snails, frogs, and occasionally carrion. They also eat fish and other small marine animals. In Florida, they are known to eat bass, tarpon, and mullet. There are very few reports of the species attacking humans.
Habitat
American crocodiles are a shy and reclusive species. They live in coastal areas throughout the Caribbean, and at the northern end of their range in south Florida. They live in brackish or saltwater areas, and can be found in ponds, coves, and creeks in mangrove swamps.
Reproduction
In April or May, the female crocodile will build a nest of loose dirt in a mound by the water's edge and lay her eggs. She buries the eggs and fiercely guards her nest. When the eggs hatch in July or early August, the female helps carry her young to the water. But, unlike the alligator, she will not continue to care for her young. Their incubation time is 2-3 months and they produce 35-50 eggs.
Issues
Once hunted intensively for their hides, today, loss of habitat to human development, illegal killing and roadkill are the greatest threats faced by American crocodiles. As sea level rises due to climate change, a significant portion of crocodiles’ coastal wetland habitat may face saltwater incursion or inundation. This specie is endangered .Enforcement of protection is lacking and urgently needed, since illegal hunting remains a threat. There are protected areas and sanctuaries for this species as well as captive breeding programmes and a few commercial farming operations are established.
Preservation Plan
In general loss of crocodilians has spoiled fisheries since carnivorous trash fish, formerly kept under control by this animals. Perhaps the most devastating consequence was the spread of river blindness, caused by slaughter of crocs. Adult and young crocodiles eat worms and frogs,this prevents diseases getting spread.
Decision Making
I think the american crocodile should be in captivity. The problem of this is that the programs for captivity and the money is lacking, so it makes it harder. The specie is going to stay in wild life for now. The cost of preservation is greater than the one if the crocodile extinct. This makes it harder for industries to do something about it.
Recommendation
I think the american crocodile should be in captivity so this specie does not become extinct. This crocodile is very important because it maintains that balance in it habitat by eating certain animals. Also in my personal opinion I think any animal should not be extinct because it has a certain and important purpose.
American crocodile coming back
Sources
http://www.nps.gov/ever/learn/nature/crocodile.htm
United States. National Park Service. "American Crocodile: Species Profile." National Parks Service. U.S. Department of the Interior, 17 May 2015. Web. 19 May 2015.
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/reptiles/american-crocodile/
"American Crocodiles, American Crocodile Pictures, American Crocodile Facts - National Geographic." National Geographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
http://earthsendangered.com/profile.asp?gr=R&sp=611
"American Crocodile Facts, American Crocodile Pictures." American Crocodile Facts, American Crocodile Pictures. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015.
http://www.defenders.org/crocodile/basic-facts-about-crocodiles
"Basic Facts About Crocodiles." Defenders of Wildlife. N.p., 11 Apr. 2012. Web. 19 May 2015.