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Publication #CIR1513

 

Housing Crocodilians in Captivity: Considerations for Central America and Caribbean1

Matthew L. Brien, Michael S. Cherkiss, Mark W. Parry, Frank J. Mazzotti 2

Abstract

Full text of this document is available at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/UW/UW25500.pdf

Attempts to develop and successfully operate facilities that commercially exploit crocodilians have always faced considerable challenges, especially in developing countries. However, there are guidelines that, if implemented, can increase chance of success and reduce crocodilian mortality. Combining captive breeding with ranching and tourism may be the best overall approach for linking conservation of crocodiles with economic benefits to local communities and governments.

Crocodilian enclosures require careful planning and consideration of the aims of the facility. All enclosures must share similar minimal requirements of providing safe and secure confinement in a manner that also provides for the health and well being of crocodiles. The overall success of any facility holding crocodilians relies upon reducing amount of stress to individuals by providing and maintaining high water quality, adequate temperatures, appropriate cover, and a high standard of food quality and hygiene.

Keywords: crocodilians, crocodile, Central American, Caribbean, captivity, housing, enclosure, water quality, heating and thermoregulation, diet and feeding, breeding, rearing.

Footnotes

1.

This document is Circular 1513, one of a series of the Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Original publication date: February 2007. Reviewed July 2010. Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu

2.

Matthew L. Brien, Research Assistant UF/FLREC, E-mail: mbrien@ufl.edu; Michael S. Cherkiss, Wildlife Biologist UF/FLREC, E-mail: mcherkis@ufl.edu; Mark Parry, Former Research Assistant UF/FLREC, E-mail: piratemind1@aol.com; Frank J. Mazzotti, Associate Professor, FLREC and Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, E-mail: fjma@ufl.edu. University of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, Wildlife Ecol. and Cons. Dept., 3205 College Ave, Davie, FL 33314.

The use of trade names in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information. UF/IFAS does not guarantee or warranty the products named, and references to them in this publication does not signify our approval to the exclusion of other products of suitable composition.

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. Nick T. Place, Dean.