Status and Conservation of Crocodylus acutus at a Naval Base in Aragua State, Venezuela
We present the conservation status and ecological characteristics (distribution, habitat preference, reproduction, population size, and structure) of an American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) population associated with the naval base “TN Tomas Vega” in Turiamo Bay, Aragua state, Venezuela. The sheltered coastal habitats, with freshwater or brackish water, as San Miguel River of Turiamo Bay, provide essential nursery habitats for hatchling American Crocodiles. During the breeding season, we looked for signs of nesting activity; however, because of continuous military exercises in the area, it is currently not known where nesting occurs. Based upon spotlight surveys of 6.7 km of survey routes, the resident American Crocodile population of Turiamo Bay was estimated at 38 American Crocodiles. Of this population, 6 sightings were classified as eyeshine only, 11 as class I, 14 as class II, 6 as class III, and 1 as class IV, exhibiting differential habitat association according to the size class. Encounter rates were highest in the brackish lagoon and low in the west coast and the San Miguel River, possibly because of the activities of the naval base causing evasive behavior by American Crocodiles. Our results indicate the C. acutus population in Turiamo Bay has been relatively stable in the past few years. However, it is important to accurately estimate the population size of C. acutus and protect the nesting and nursery habitats. Therefore, we recommend continuation of the population studies and involvement of environmental organizations to regulate anthropogenic activities in Turiamo Bay. Presentamos el estatus de conservación y características ecológicas (distribución, preferencia de hábitat, reproducción, tamaño y estructura poblacional) de una población de Crocodylus acutus asociada a la base naval “TN Tomas Vega” en la Bahía de Turiamo, estado Aragua, Venezuela. Los hábitats costeros resguardados, con agua dulce o salobre, como el río San Miguel de la Bahía de Turiamo, proveen hábitats esenciales para las crías de C. acutus. Durante el periodo de reproducción buscamos señales de nidos activos; sin embargo, debido a los continuos ejercicios militares en el área, actualmente no se conoce donde ocurren las anidaciones. Basándonos en conteos nocturnos de 6.7 km de ruta, estimamos que la población residente de C. acutus en el área es de 38 individuos, clasificándose, 11 como clase I, 14 como clase II, 6 como clase III, 1 como clase IV, y 6 como sólo ojos; exhibiendo una asociación diferencial entre el hábitat y tamaño. La tasa de encuentro fue mayor en la laguna salobre respecto a la costa oeste y el río San Miguel, posiblemente debido a las actividades de la base naval que generan un comportamiento evasivo en los cocodrilos. Nuestros resultados indican que la población de C. acutus de la Bahía de Turiamo se ha mantenido relativamente estable en los últimos años. Sin embargo, es importante estimar con precisión la población de cocodrilos y resguardar los hábitats de cría y anidación. Por lo que recomendamos continuar los estudios poblacionales, e involucrar a organismos ambientales para regular las actividades antrópicas en la Bahía de Turiamo.Abstract
Resumen
Study area image and localization. The microhabitats evaluated in the study are highlighted: brackish lagoon, San Miguel River, and west coast of the bay. Turiamo Bay, Aragua State, Venezuela. 2015–2016.
Distribution of C. acutus sightings in microhabitats of Turiamo Bay. Crocodylus acutus total sightings during the five dates of surveys in the brackish lagoon (upper left), west coast (upper right), and San Miguel River (lower). Numbers indicate the sampling when it was done the sighting: (1) 1st sampling; (2) 2nd sampling, (3) 3rd sampling, (4) 4th sampling, (5) 5th sampling. Turiamo Bay, Aragua State, Venezuela. 2015–2016.
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