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Publication #CIR1451

Counting and Capturing Crocodilians 1

Michael S. Cherkiss, Holly E. Fling, Frank J. Mazzotti, Kenneth G. Rice2

Abstract

  • With few exceptions, crocodilians must be counted and caught for studies of their ecology. Most methods of finding and catching crocodilians in use today are modifications of methods for harvesting crocodilians. These methods have been adapted to suit the target species, or local habitat conditions and to minimize risk of injury to the crocodile and the investigator. Any particular situation will likely require innovations on methods used by others.

  • A challenge in catching and handling crocodilians is their extraordinary range of body sizes. Naive, easily hand-grabbed hatchlings are about 25cm long and weigh about 25g. Wary, unapproachable, adults can reach lengths of 5m and weights of 500kg. Captured crocodilians have to be restrained, sampled, marked, and released unharmed. Removing restraints and releasing a large crocodile are the most dangerous aspects of an already hazardous task.

  • The fourteen-page PDF (539KB) includes a description of various methods used for research on crocodilians and photos of transportation and capture techniques. Available: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW19800.pdf

  • Key Words: Crocodilians, Crocodile, Alligator, Survey Techniques, Crocodile Surveys, Capturing Crocodilians, Handling Crocodilians

Footnotes

1.

This document is Circular1451, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. First published: November, 2004. Reviewed May 2009. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/

2.

Michael S. Cherkiss, Wildlife Ecologist; Holly E. Fling, Wildlife Research Assisant; Frank J. Mazzotti, Associate Professor; Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Florida 33314, Florida Cooperative Extension Services, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville. Kenneth G. Rice, Research Wildlife Biologist, USGS Center for Water and Restoration Studies, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Florida 33314.

The listing of specific trade names within this paper does not constitute endorsement of these products in preference to others. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the products by the authors or the publisher.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations. For more information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension service.

U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A. & M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating. Millie Ferrer-Chancy, Interim Dean.