Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
Movement of captive-released Orinoco crocodiles (Crocodylus intermedius) in the Capanaparo River, Venezuela
Author(s)
Munoz M.D.C., Thorbjarnarson J.
Published
2000
Publisher
Journal of Herpetology
Abstract
To test the feasibility of using captive-reared Orinoco crocodiles to restock depleted wild populations we used radio-telemetry to monitor eight crocodiles (103.3-139.3 cm total length) released in the Capanaparo River in southwestern Venezuela. Crocodiles were located every 1-2 d from April 1991 to March 1992 to determine movement patterns, survivorship, and growth rates. The crocodiles moved considerably during the first month following release, and the maximum distance moved was 11.6 km upstream by one crocodile four months after release. However, following an initial period of movement, crocodiles became more sedentary and by the end of the study the maximum distance from the point of release was less than 8 km. Six of the eight crocodiles moved upstream while two moved up to 3.3 km downstream. Crocodiles remained principally along the main course of the river in areas with mixed shallow and deep water habitats and abundant sand beaches. As the river rose during the wet season, crocodiles remained in the same areas, but moved into shallow-water areas among flooded riparian vegetation. The mean growth rate of released crocodiles (0.079 cm TL/day) was similar to that of smaller wild-born juvenile crocodiles. One animal was accidentally killed by a local resident who was hunting spectacled caiman. Based on the results of this study, we feel that a carefully designed program of releases of captive-reared crocodiles can be an effective conservation tool to speed the recovery of depleted populations of Orinoco crocodiles. However, care must be taken to insure that the release program is designed as one component of an overall crocodile strategy and not an excuse to avoid the onerous issues of the protection of wild crocodile populations and their habitat.
Keywords
Crocodylus intermedius
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB12758