NPS: Nature & Science » Networks: South Florida / Caribbean Network

American Crocodile

Importance/Issues

The American Crocodile is a top predator within the estuarine ecosystem. Crocodile population dynamics have been linked to resource management activities, especially water management which has resulted in increased salinities in both, Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay. Habitat alteration and conversion along western Biscayne Bay, disturbance, and road kill are also issues. Crocodiles, which are listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act, have core nesting areas in Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay.

American Crocodile near Biscayne National Park

Crocodiles in our National Parks

Crocodile Photos & Videos by Park

References and Links

Monitoring Objectives

What are the status and trends in growth and survival of juvenile crocodiles especially in relation due to CERP/MOD Waters Everglades restoration implementation?

Status and Trends

Status and trends for this vital sign are reported as part of the South Florida Ecosystem Restoration Task Force 2010 System-wide Ecological Indicators for Everglades Restoration (See page 30-31 in this report) and the CERP RECOVER 2009 System Status Report.

Approach

Description of the approach is still under development for this vital sign.

Crocodile monitoring has been funded by the CERP RECOVER Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP) and the National Park Service and conducted by the University of Florida and the U.S. Geological Survey. Florida Power & Light Company supports crocodile monitoring at the Turkey Point Power Plant site. Now, recent budget cuts in the CERP RECOVER monitoring program have cut funding to this program.

Parks where Crocodiles are being monitored:

Biscayne National Park (BISC)
Everglades National Park (EVER)

Principal Investigators