Coral Bay Indigenous Preserve and Protected Species Management Plan

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Coral Bay Indigenous Preserve and Protected Species Management Plan CORAL BAY INDIGENOUS PRESERVE AND PROTECTED SPECIES MANAGEMENT PLAN April 2021 Prepared For: D.R. Horton 10541 Six Mile Cypress Parkway Fort Myers, Florida 33966 (239) 225-2631 Prepared By: Passarella & Associates, Inc. 13620 Metropolis Avenue, Suite 200 Fort Myers, Florida 33912 (239) 274-0067 Project No. 20DRH3329 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1.0 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1 2.0 Existing Indigenous Vegetation Preserve .......................................................................... 1 3.0 Indigenous Vegetation Preservation and Restoration ........................................................ 1 4.0 Methods to Remove and Control Exotic and Nuisance Plants .......................................... 2 5.0 Monitoring Reports ............................................................................................................ 3 6.0 Protected Species Management Plan ................................................................................. 3 6.1 American Alligator Management Plan .................................................................. 3 6.1.1 Biology ....................................................................................................... 4 6.1.2 Management Plan....................................................................................... 4 6.2 Gopher Tortoise Management Plan ....................................................................... 5 6.2.1 Biology ....................................................................................................... 5 6.2.2 Management Plan....................................................................................... 6 6.3 Wading Bird Management Plan ............................................................................. 6 6.3.1 Management Plan....................................................................................... 6 6.4 Florida Black Bear Management Plan ................................................................... 6 6.4.1 Biology ....................................................................................................... 6 6.4.2 Management Plan....................................................................................... 7 7.0 Human-Wildlife Coexistence Plan .................................................................................... 7 7.1 American Alligator ................................................................................................ 7 7.2 Wading Bird ........................................................................................................... 7 i Table of Contents (Continued) Page 7.3 Florida Black Bear ................................................................................................. 8 8.0 Preserve Signage ................................................................................................................ 8 9.0 References .......................................................................................................................... 8 ii LIST OF TABLES Page Table 1. Prohibited Invasive Exotics ................................................................................... 2 iii LIST OF APPENDICES Page Appendix A. Project Location Map .......................................................................................... A-1 Appendix B. Aerial with FLUCFCS and Wetlands Map ..........................................................B-1 Appendix C. Aerial with Site Plan and Indigenous Preserve ....................................................C-1 Appendix D. American Alligator Management and Preserve Signage .................................... D-1 Appendix E. American Alligator Informational Pamphlet ....................................................... E-1 Appendix F. Wading Bird Informational Pamphlet .................................................................. F-1 Appendix G. Florida Black Bear Informational Pamphlet ....................................................... G-1 iv 1.0 INTRODUCTION The following outlines the Lee County Indigenous Preserve and Protected Species Management Plan for Coral Bay (Project) located in Section 28, Township 43 South, Range 24 East, Lee County (Appendix A). The Project is a smaller component of the previously permitted Estates of Entrada site located west of Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) between Del Prado Boulevard and Littleton Road in North Fort Myers. The Project site is bordered by the Villages of Entrada residential community to the north; Lee County District School Board property and multiple residential communities to the south; partially developed land associated with other portions of Estates at Entrada to the east; and Lee County 20/20 Yellow Fever Creek Preserve to the west. The protected species management plan contained in this report pertains to the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), listed wading birds, and Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus). 2.0 EXISTING INDIGENOUS VEGETATION PRESERVE The Project’s preserve area totals 43.03± acres and was previously placed under conservation easement per South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) Environmental Resource Permit No. 36-06057-P, issued for Estates at Entrada. The preserve areas contain a mosaic of native forested and herbaceous upland and wetland habitats (Appendix B). Additionally, 2.85± acres of critical eagle nesting habitat will be preserved and placed under conservation easement to Lee County per the Project’s approved March 2020 Bald Eagle Management Plan. The location of the preserve areas is depicted on Appendix C. Initial enhancement and restoration activities within the 43.03± acre preserve area were completed in 2008 followed by a five-year maintenance and monitoring program. On June 30, 2020, the SFWMD issued a letter of compliance for the Project and signed off on the preserve monitoring program. The following are the existing habitats proposed for indigenous vegetation preservation and enhancement within the critical eagle nesting habitat. 3.0 INDIGENOUS VEGETATION PRESERVATION AND ENHANCEMENT Exotic removal in the 2.85± acre critical eagle nesting habitat will be conducted concurrent with Project development activities. After the initial removal of exotics, semi-annual inspections of the preserves will occur for the first two years. During these inspections, the Project area will be traversed by a qualified ecologist. Locations of nuisance and/or exotic species will be identified for immediate treatment with an appropriate herbicide. Any additional potential problems will also be noted, and corrective actions taken. Once exotic/nuisance species levels have been reduced to acceptable limits (i.e., less than five percent cover), inspections of the Project area will be conducted annually. Prior to any preserve maintenance, Lee County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) staff will be notified. 1 4.0 METHODS TO REMOVE AND CONTROL EXOTIC AND NUISANCE PLANTS Exotic vegetation will be treated/removed from the restoration area. Exotic vegetation species include, but are not limited to, the 21 species of prohibited invasive exotic species listed in Section 10-420(h) of the Lee County Land Development Code (LDC) (Table 1). Table 1. Prohibited Invasive Exotics Common Name Scientific Name Air potato Dioscorea alata Australian pines All Casuarina species Bishopwood Bischofia javanica Brazilian pepper Schinus terebinthifolia Carrotwood Cupaniopsis anacardioides Chinese tallow Sapium sebiferum Cork tree Thespesia populnea Cuban laurel fig Ficus microcarpa Downy rose-myrtle Rhodomyrtus tomentosus Earleaf acacia Acacia auriculiformis Japanese climbing fern Lygodium japonicum Java plum Syzygium cumini Melaleuca Melaleuca quinquenervia Murray red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Old World climbing fern Lygodium microphyllum Rose apple Syzygium jambos Rosewood Dalbergia sissoo Tropical soda apple Solanum viarum Wedelia Wedelia trilobata Weeping fig Ficus benjamina Woman’s tongue Albizia lebbeck The treatment of exotic vegetation will include one or more of the following methods: (1) cut exotics within 12 inches of ground elevation, hand remove cut vegetation, and treat remaining stump with approved herbicide; (2) girdle standing Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolia) and melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia) with diameter at breast height greater than four inches and apply approved herbicide to cambium; (3) foliar application of approved herbicide to Brazilian pepper and melaleuca saplings; (4) foliar application of approved herbicide or hand pulling of exotic seedlings; and (5) foliar application of approved herbicide to nuisance grasses. The use of any chemicals which are known to be toxic to wildlife shall be prohibited at all times in close proximity to the bald eagle nest tree and within the on-site preserve areas (Appendix C). 2 Chemicals used for the purpose of controlling invasive exotic plants shall be prohibited around the base of the bald eagle nest tree. 5.0 MONITORING REPORTS A monitoring report documenting the initial condition of the critical eagle nesting habitat areas will be submitted to DCD staff prior to development order approval. A similar report will be submitted to DCD staff after the initial restoration and exotic removal activities have been completed and prior to Certificate of Compliance approval. Reports will also include a brief description of anticipated maintenance work
Recommended publications
  • Santee National Wildlife Refuge Road 2125 Fort Watson Summerton, South Carolina 29148 803/ 478 2217 U.S
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Rogers Road Santee National Taw Caw Refuge Creek Entrance Wildlife Refuge State Potato Migratory Creek Wildlife Drive Bird Information Sanctuary Kiosk Interpretive Guide 12 1 8 2 Woods Road 3 5 2 4 6 7 9 Cuddo West 1 11 Cuddo East North Loop 15 Black Bottom 3 Pond 10 Timber 14 Island Plantation Islands Field (proposed) 4 10 11 9 Wilderness Otter Trail Black 5 Area Bottom South Loop 13 12 8 Alligator Alley Hundred Acre Island Shuler's 6 7 Refuge boundary Round Auto tour route, interpretive markers 1-12 Island Foot access only Boundaries represented Bicycle and foot access only are approximate. Canoe trail, markers 1-15 Goat Cuddo and Area closed to all entry Island West November 1 until March 1 Santee National Wildlife Refuge Road 2125 Fort Watson Summerton, South Carolina 29148 803/ 478 2217 http://fws.gov/santee U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD September 2010 1. Santee National Wildlife Refuge 7. Bluebird boxes 10. Wildlife Drive - Otter Trail Starting at The Santee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1941 Wooden boxes mounted on posts along the To continue down the Wildlife Drive, turn RIGHT at this as a migratory bird sanctuary. The refuge boasts nearly 300 edge of the road are nesting boxes for eastern intersection. the Cuddo bird species recorded on the refuge. Mammal species found bluebirds (Sialia sialis), which nest on the refuge Wildlife on the refuge include white-tailed deer, beaver, river along field and forest edge habitats. Bluebirds 11.
    [Show full text]
  • American Alligator Alligator Mississippiensis
    American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis Class: Reptilia Order: Crocodylia Family: Alligatoridae Characteristics: The average size of an adult female American alligator is 8 feet while a male averages 11 feet. They can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They have a long snout and the eyes and nostrils are located on top so they can see and breathe while their body remains under water. The easiest way to distinguish between a crocodile and an alligator is to look at the jaw. In an alligator, the fourth tooth on the lower jaw fits perfectly into a socket in the upper jaw and is NOT visible when the mouth is closed. This is not the case in crocodiles. They have incredibly powerful jaws and the teeth are replaced as Range & Habitat: they wear down. Alligators can go through 2,000-3,000 teeth in a lifetime. Found in slow-moving freshwater Behavior: Female alligators usually remain in a small area while males can rivers from North Carolina to the have territories up to two square miles. The young will remain in their Rio Grande in Texas mothers’ areas until they are three years old and then will leave in search of food or are driven out by the large males. Alligators undergo a sort of dormancy when they weather is cold. They will excavate a “gator hole” along a waterway or dig tunnels in areas where water fluctuates. These hollows provide them protection against hot and cold weather and are often used by other animals once the gator has left. Alligators do not have salt glands so they can only tolerate salt water for a brief time (National Zoo).
    [Show full text]
  • Crocodiles Alter Skin Color in Response to Environmental Color Conditions
    www.nature.com/scientificreports OPEN Crocodiles Alter Skin Color in Response to Environmental Color Conditions Received: 3 January 2018 Mark Merchant1, Amber Hale2, Jen Brueggen3, Curt Harbsmeier4 & Colette Adams5 Accepted: 6 April 2018 Many species alter skin color to varying degrees and by diferent mechanisms. Here, we show that Published: xx xx xxxx some crocodylians modify skin coloration in response to changing light and environmental conditions. Within the Family, Crocodylidae, all members of the genus Crocodylus lightened substantially when transitioned from dark enclosure to white enclosures, whereas Mecistops and Osteolaemus showed little/no change. The two members of the Family Gavialidae showed an opposite response, lightening under darker conditions, while all member of the Family Alligatoridae showed no changes. Observed color changes were rapid and reversible, occurring within 60–90 minutes. The response is visually- mediated and modulated by serum α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), resulting in redistribution of melanosomes within melanophores. Injection of crocodiles with α-MSH caused the skin to lighten. These results represent a novel description of color change in crocodylians, and have important phylogenetic implications. The data support the inclusion of the Malayan gharial in the Family Gavialidae, and the shift of the African slender-snouted crocodile from the genus Crocodylus to the monophyletic genus Mecistops. Te rapid alteration of skin color is well known among a wide assortment of ectothermic vertebrates and inver- tebrates1. Adaptive skin color changes may occur for a variety of reasons, including communication, thermal regulation, and crypsis1. Te modifcation of skin pigmentation is achieved by either physiological or morpho- logical mechanisms1.
    [Show full text]
  • Master of the Marsh Information for Cart
    Mighty MikeMighty Mike:Mike: The Master of the Marsh A story of when humans and predators meet Alligators are magnificent predators that have lived for millions of years and demonstrate amazing adaptations for survival. Their “recent” interaction with us demonstrates the importance of these animals and that we have a vital role to play in their survival. Primary Exhibit Themes: 1. American Alligators are an apex predator and a keystone species of wetland ecosystems throughout the southern US, such as the Everglades. 2. Alligators are an example of a conservation success story. 3. The wetlands that alligators call home are important ecosystems that are in need of protection. Primary Themes and Supporting Facts 1. Alligators are an apex predator and, thus, a keystone species of wetland ecosystems throughout the southern US, such as the Everglades. a. The American Alligator is known as the “Master of the Marsh” or “King of the Everglades” b. What makes a great predator? Muscles, Teeth, Strength & Speed i. Muscles 1. An alligator has the strongest known bite of any land animal – up to 2,100 pounds of pressure. 2. Most of the muscle in an alligators jaw is intended for biting and gripping prey. The muscles for opening their jaws are relatively weak. This is why an adult man can hold an alligators jaw shut with his bare hands. Don’t try this at home! ii. Teeth 1. Alligators have up to 80 teeth. 2. Their conical teeth are used for catching the prey, not tearing it apart. 3. They replace their teeth as they get worn and fall out.
    [Show full text]
  • Alligator & Crocodile Skin Preparation for Tanning Getting Started
    Alligator & Crocodile Skin Preparation for Tanning This page is not a basic guide on how to skin an alligator, but we can offer a summary of skinning steps, tips on how to best care for alligator skins, and explain why careful skinning and scraping is important. The proper care of alligator skins begins as soon as the animal is harvested. Here are some helpful tips: Skinning should take place as soon after the harvest as practical. Avoid direct sun or heat on the carcass or skin whenever possible. Keep skin away from blood, entrails, or other contact with dirty surfaces where more bacteria could get into the skin. Always skin carefully avoiding the creation of holes or cuts in the belly pattern. Scrape excess meat and fat from the underside of the skin with blunt knives, paint scrapers, beveled pipes or other dull tools. Removing meat and fat from the skin is very important because of the time necessary to store and ship alligator skins for tanning. This often takes several months and excess meat helps bacteria multiply leading to "red heat" or "slipping" skins. If excess fat is not removed it can prevent salt from properly penetrating the skin. Also, if the fat heats up, it can penetrate the skin and leave grease spots on the finished leather. The purpose of curing alligator skins is to remove moisture from the skin so it can be better preserved before tanning. o A fine grain mixing salt works best and should be applied generously (1/2 to 1 inch thick) and rubbed into all parts of the skin.
    [Show full text]
  • Alligators and Be Prepared for a REAL Gullible
    Texas Wildlife Association presents.... June 2013 Kid’s Quarterly Mini-Mag! Vol. 7 No. 2 Postcards from Nancy....By Cara Bierschwale Howdy, Partners! “AHH!” he exclaimed. “Bigfoot track!” Grant pointed to Only three miles west of crossing the border into Louisiana, the muddy ground at a large, deep print. It was almost a Grant the Gopher and I are in deep East Texas spending some foot long! My heartbeat raced as I tried to make sense of the time at Caddo Lake State Park in Karnack, Texas. This area is situation. Just then, Grant and I turned around 25,400 acres of lake, wetlands, and beautiful cypress forests towards the sound of something large sliding located right on the border between Texas and Louisiana. and swooshing along the mud behind us. Our Caddo Lake is named for the Caddoans, Native Americans that eyes focused in the dark on some movement lived in the area, and until the early 1900’s this was the only by the reedy bank, and the last thing we saw natural lake in Texas. before sprinting back to camp was something Grant and I came here on a mission: to find evidence of slipping into the dark, rippling water. the legendary Bigfoot. Grant said that there are When we stopped at the same actual reports of Bigfoot sightings around this little store on our way home, Grant Footprints in the mud by Grady Allen lake, and since he believes everything he sees gave the cashier an elaborative on television, he begged me to join him in hopes account of our amateur sighting experience.
    [Show full text]
  • Alligator Awareness
    Brochure_Layout 1 8/4/17 9:52 AM Page 1 (including hunting) their own alligator populations. ties each year as a result of nuisance complaints. hunting season. The initial area open to alligator hunt - Management plans still had to be approved by USFWS However, every nuisance complaint call does not result in ing was a 16.5-mile portion of the Pearl River north of and alligators had to be tagged with a CITES the removal of an alligator. Many alligators are removed the Ross Barnett Reservoir, which is home to the densest (Convention on International Trade in Endangered as a result of being in “out-of-place” locations, such as population of alligators anywhere in Mississippi. In 2013, Species) tag. “TSA” refers to the fact that alligators, or residential ponds or yards, swimming pools, marinas, limited alligator hunting opportunities expanded more specifically alligator hides and parts, are very dif - and highways. statewide, on public waterways. ficult to distinguish from the hides and parts of other Numerous complaints are received because alligators endangered crocodilians such as the American Crocodile have lost their natural fear of humans and human activ - To report a nuisance alligator or persons violat- (Crocodylus acutus) or the Chinese Alligator (Alligator ity. This behavior is usually the result of people purpose - ing alligator regulations call your local MDWFP sinensis). ly or indirectly feeding alligators. Feeding alligators is District Office or 1-800-BE-SMART. illegal in Mississippi, due to obvious concerns and danger The Mississippi Alligator Program that can develop when alligators begin to associate a food North Region Office (662) 563-6222 In the 1960's and 70's, alligators from Louisiana were source with human activity.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Scat to Estimate Body Size in Crocodilians: Case Studies of the Siamese Crocodile and American Alligator with Practical Applications
    Herpetological Conservation and Biology 15(2):325–334. Submitted: 19 December 2019; Accepted: 24 May 2020; Published: 31 August 2020. USING SCAT TO ESTIMATE BODY SIZE IN CROCODILIANS: CASE STUDIES OF THE SIAMESE CROCODILE AND AMERICAN ALLIGATOR WITH PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS STEVEN G. PLATT1, RUTH M. ELSEY2, NICHOLE D. BISHOP3, THOMAS R. RAINWATER4,8, OUDOMXAY THONGSAVATH5, DIDIER LABARRE6, AND ALEXANDER G. K. MCWILLIAM5,7 1Wildlife Conservation Society-Myanmar Program, No. 12, Nanrattaw Street, Kamayut Township, Yangon, Myanmar 2Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge, 5476 Grand Chenier Highway, Grand Chenier, Louisiana 70643, USA 3School of Natural Resources and Environment, Building 810, 1728 McCarthy Drive, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611-0485, USA 4Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center & Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, Post Office Box 596, Georgetown, South Carolina 29442, USA 5Wildlife Conservation Society-Lao Program, Post Office Box 6712, Vientiane, Laos 6Départment de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500 Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada 7Current address: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), 63 Sukhumvit Road, Soi 39 Klongton-Nua, Bangkok, Thailand, 10110 8Corresponding author, email: [email protected] Abstract.—Models relating morphological measures to body size are of great value in crocodilian research and management. Although scat morphometrics are widely used for estimating the body size of large mammals, these relationships have not been determined for any crocodilian. To this end, we collected scats from Siamese Crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) and American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) to determine if maximum scat diameter (MSD) could be used to predict total length (TL) in these species.
    [Show full text]
  • Analysis of Drivers of Spring Alligator Hunting in Texas And
    ANALYSIS OF DRIVERS OF SPRING ALLIGATOR HUNTING IN TEXAS AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS by Elizabeth N. Pratt, B.S. A thesis submitted to the Graduate Council of Texas State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science with a Major in Wildlife Ecology May 2021 Committee Members: Christopher Serenari, Chair Kristy Daniel Joseph Veech COPYRIGHT by Elizabeth N. Pratt 2021 FAIR USE AND AUTHOR’S PERMISSION STATEMENT Fair Use This work is protected by the Copyright Laws of the United States (Public Law 94-553, section 107). Consistent with fair use as defined in the Copyright Laws, brief quotations from this material are allowed with proper acknowledgement. Use of this material for financial gain without the author’s express written permission is not allowed. Duplication Permission As the copyright holder of this work I, Elizabeth N. Pratt, authorize duplication of this work, in whole or in part, for educational or scholarly purposes only. DEDICATION I would like to dedicate this thesis to my mom and dad, Raegan and Aaron, for always being supportive of my dreams and aspirations, as well as moving me halfway across the country to complete this degree. I would also like to dedicate this thesis to Dr. Christopher Serenari for pushing me to always produce my best work. Finally, I would like to dedicate this thesis to the late Steve Irwin who inspired me by fueling my passion and love for alligators from a very young age. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to acknowledge everyone that made this thesis possible. I would first like to thank Jon Warner from TPWD for working with me and providing the list of potential participants for my study.
    [Show full text]
  • By Aaron Feigenbaum
    by Aaron Feigenbaum 1359_COVER.indd 1 5/21/07 2:46:18 PM [Intentionally Left Blank] by Aaron Feigenbaum Consultant: Laura A. Brandt, Ph.D. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Team Leader, Joint Ecosystem Modeling Lab Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center 1359_Alligators_PDF.indd 1 5/23/07 12:00:58 PM Credits Cover and Title Page, © David Hosking/Alamy; 4, © Thomas McCarver; 5, © William Munoz; 6, © Lynn M. Stone/naturepl.com; 7, © W. Perry Conway/Corbis; 8, © Robert Pickett/Papilio/Alamy; 9, © Martin Woike/FOTO NATURA/Minden Pictures; 10, © Adam White/naturepl.com; 11, © P. Henry/ArcoImages/Peter Arnold, Inc.; 12L, © Lawrence Manning/Corbis; 12R, © W. Perry Conway/Corbis; 13, © The Granger Collection, New York; 14, © Peter Horree/Alamy; 15, © Kevin Fleming/Corbis; 16, © Raymond Gehman/ Corbis; 18, © P. Henry/ArcoImages/Peter Arnold, Inc.; 19, © Thomas McCarver; 20, © Thomas McCarver; 21, © Philip Gould/Corbis; 22, © William Munoz; 23, © AP Images/ The Post & Courier, Wade Spees; 24, © William Munoz; 25, © C.C. Lockwood/Animals Animals-Earth Scenes; 26, © AP Images/J. Pat Carter; 27, © Stan Osolinski/OSF/ Animals Animals-Earth Scenes; 28, © William Munoz; 29T, © Dr. Myrna Watanabe/Peter Arnold, Inc.; 29B, © W. Perry Conway/Corbis; 31, © magmarcz/Shutterstock. Publisher: Kenn Goin Senior Editor: Lisa Wiseman Creative Director: Spencer Brinker Photo Researcher: Amy Dunleavy Cover Design: Dawn Beard Creative Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Feigenbaum, Aaron. American alligators : freshwater survivors / by Aaron Feigenbaum. p. cm. — (America’s animal comebacks) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-1-59716-503-7 (library binding) ISBN-10: 1-59716-503-4 (library binding) 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Identification Notes &~@~-/~: ~~*~@~,~ 'PTILE
    CATEGORY Identification Notes &~@~-/~: ~~*~@~,~ ‘PTILE for wildlife law enforcement ~ C.rnrn.n N.rn./s: Al@~O~, c~~~dil., ~i~.xl, Gharial PROBLEM: Skulls of Crocodilians are often imported as souvenirs. nalch (-”W 4(JI -“by ieeth ??la&ularJy+i9 GUIDE TO PRELIMINARY IDENTIFICATION OF CROCODILL4N SKULLS 1. Nasal bones separated from nasal aperture; mandibular symphysis extends to the 15th tooth. 2. Gavialis gangeticus Nasal bones entering the nasal aperture; mandibular symphysisdoes not extend beyond the8th tooth . Tomistoma schlegelii 2. Nasal bones separated from premaxillary bones; 27 -29maxi11aryteeth,25 -26mandibularteeth Nasal bones in contact with premaxillaq bo Qoco@khs acutus teeth, 18-19 mandibular teeth . Tomiitomaschlegelii 3. Fourth mandibular tooth usually fitting into a notch in the maxilla~, 16-19 maxillary teeth, 14-15 mandibular teeth . .4 Osteolaemus temaspis Fourth mandibular tooth usually fitting into a pit in the maxilla~, 14-20 maxillary teeth, 17-22 mandibular teeth . .5 4. Nasal bones do not divide nasal aperture. .. CrocodylW (12 species) Alligator m&siss@piensh Nasalboncx divide nasal aperture . Osteolaemustetraspk. 5. Nasal bones do not divide nasal aperture. .6 . Paleosuchus mgonatus Bony septum divides nasal aperture . .. Alligator (2 species) 6. Fiveteethinpremaxilla~ bone . .7 . Melanosuchus niger Four teeth in premaxillary bone. ...Paleosuchus (2species) 7. Vomerexposed on the palate . Melanosuchusniger Caiman crocodiles Vomer not exposed on palate . ...”..Caiman (2species) Illustrations from: Moo~ C. C 1921 Me&m, F. 19S1 L-.. Submitted by: Stephen D. Busack, Chief, Morphology Section, National Fish& Wildlife Forensics LabDate submitted 6/3/91 Prepared in cooperation with the National Fkh & Wdlife Forensics Laboratoy, Ashlar@ OR, USA ‘—m More on reverse side>>> IDentMcation Notes CATEGORY: REPTILE for wildlife law enforcement -- Crocodylia II CAmmom Nda Alligator, Crocodile, Caiman, Gharial REFERENCES Medem, F.
    [Show full text]
  • Crocodile and Alligator Non-Chronological Report
    Crocodiles and Alligators Crocodiles and alligators belong to a group of reptiles called crocodilians. These fierce carnivores (meat-eating animals) have not changed much for millions of years. Today, there are 14 different types of crocodile, 2 types of alligator and 6 types of caiman. How do crocodiles care for their young? Crocodiles make much better parents than many other reptiles. A female Nile crocodile lays up to 75 eggs, she buries them under than sand in the riverbank. She guards them for about 3 months until they hatch, and then carries them gently in her big mouth down to the water. She goes on protecting them from predators (animals that would want to eat them) for another few weeks, before leaving them to fight their own battles. Crocodile grazing in the sun. Did you know… When baby crocodiles hatch out of their The main differences between a crocodile and alligator, in addition to eggs, they call out for their mother. their teeth, are the shape of the nose and tail. Crocodiles and alligators have thick, scaly skin which protects them from being How fast are alligators? attacked. Alligators, such as the American alligator, can run fast on land, but they are even You can tell crocodiles and alligators apart quicker in water. To swim, they tuck their legs under their bodies and swish their by their teeth. When an alligator shuts its strong tails from side to side, powering themselves through the water. mouth you can’t see any teeth in its bottom jaw. When a crocodile closes its The American alligator lives in south-eastern USA, in warm rivers and swamps.
    [Show full text]