Activity Budget and Behavioral Patterns of American Crocodiles (Crocodylus Acutus) in Belize
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Observations on Varanus S. Salvator in North Sulawesi
ARTICLES Biawak 1(2): 59-66 © 2007. International Varanid Interest Group Observations on Varanus s. salvator in North Sulawesi HAROLD F. DE LISLE P.O. Box 1975 Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, US [email protected] Abstract: Asian Water Monitors (Varanus s. salvator) are widespread on the main island of Sulawesi, Indonesia, but rather rare in the province of North Sulawesi because of human predation. This study documents observations on the daily behavior of a small coastal population over a two week period. Observations of aquatic behavior led to discussion of the possibility that this population is able to catch live fish in a particular coastal lagoon. Introduction The Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator salvator) is perhaps the most wide-spread of all varanids. It is found from Sri Lanka, northern India, Bangladesh, Burma, Vietnam and Hainan (China) through Malaysia east to the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi and Wetar (De Lisle, 1996). Its ability to colonize the remote islands of Malaysia and Indonesia might be due to its adaptability towards freshwater and saltwater (Traeholt, 1994a), and also its large size is an advantage, giving both the energy reserves and power to survive an extended sea voyage and a greater potential to actually achieve a landfall. Backwash from tsunamis could start this process frequently enough. Figures 1A and B. Remnant primary forest on North Sulawesi Biawak 2007 Vol. 1 No. 2 60 Figure 2. Coastal stream, North Sulawesi Figure 3. Coast of the Moluccan Sea In March 2001, a month was spent in North Sulawesi Province, Indonesia (island of Sulawesi) to observe the northeastern-most populations of the Asian Water Monitor (V. -
Crocodylus Johnstoni
RECORDS OF THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM 33 103–107 (2018) DOI: 10.18195/issn.0312-3162.33(1).2018.103-107 Observations of mammalian feeding by Australian freshwater crocodiles (Crocodylus johnstoni) in the Kimberley region of Western Australia Ruchira Somaweera1,*, David Rhind2, Stephen Reynolds3, Carla Eisemberg4, Tracy Sonneman5 and David Woods5 1 Ecosystem Change Ecology, CSIRO Land & Water, Floreat, Western Australia 6014, Australia. 2 School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia. 3 Environs Kimberley, Broome, Western Australia 6725, Australia. 4 Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia. 5 Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, West Kimberley District Offce, Broome, Western Australia 6725, Australia. * Corresponding author: [email protected] ABSTRACT – The dietary preference of most crocodilians is generally thought to be fairly broad. However, the head morphology of slender-snouted crocodilians limits their ability to process large and complex prey. The slender-snouted Australian freshwater crocodile is known to be a dietary specialist consuming small aquatic prey, particularly aquatic arthropods and fsh. Here, we report observations of predation events by Australian freshwater crocodiles on medium- and large-sized mammals in the Kimberley region of Western Australia including macropods, a large rodent and an echidna. We discuss the signifcance of our observations from an ecological and morphological perspective and propose that terrestrial mammalian prey may be a seasonally important prey item for some populations of freshwater crocodiles. KEYWORDS: mammal, marsupial, monotreme, predation INTRODUCTION occupying downstream estuarine areas (Cogger 2014; Crocodilians are opportunistic predators that capture Webb et al. 1983). Given the smaller size and the mild and consume a range of prey items usually associated temperament, attacks by this species on humans are with or attracted to water. -
Using Environmental DNA to Detect Estuarine Crocodiles, a Cryptic
Human–Wildlife Interactions 14(1):64–72, Spring 2020 • digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi Using environmental DNA to detect estuarine crocodiles, a cryptic-ambush predator of humans Alea Rose, Research Institute for Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia Yusuke Fukuda, Department of Environment & Natural Resources, Northern Territory Govern- ment, P.O. Box 496, Palmerston, Northern Territory 0831, Australia Hamish A. Campbell, Research Institute of Livelihoods and the Environment, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory 0909, Australia [email protected] Abstract: Negative human–wildlife interactions can be better managed by early detection of the wildlife species involved. However, many animals that pose a threat to humans are highly cryptic, and detecting their presence before the interaction occurs can be challenging. We describe a method whereby the presence of the estuarine crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), a cryptic and potentially dangerous predator of humans, was detected using traces of DNA shed into the water, known as environmental DNA (eDNA). The estuarine crocodile is present in waterways throughout southeast Asia and Oceania and has been responsible for >1,000 attacks upon humans in the past decade. A critical factor in the crocodile’s capability to attack humans is their ability to remain hidden in turbid waters for extended periods, ambushing humans that enter the water or undertake activities around the waterline. In northern Australia, we sampled water from aquariums where crocodiles were present or absent, and we were able to discriminate the presence of estuarine crocodile from the freshwater crocodile (C. johnstoni), a closely related sympatric species that does not pose a threat to humans. -
Introduction to Risk Assessments for Methods Used in Wildlife Damage Management
Human Health and Ecological Risk Assessment for the Use of Wildlife Damage Management Methods by USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services Chapter I Introduction to Risk Assessments for Methods Used in Wildlife Damage Management MAY 2017 Introduction to Risk Assessments for Methods Used in Wildlife Damage Management EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services (WS) Program completed Risk Assessments for methods used in wildlife damage management in 1992 (USDA 1997). While those Risk Assessments are still valid, for the most part, the WS Program has expanded programs into different areas of wildlife management and wildlife damage management (WDM) such as work on airports, with feral swine and management of other invasive species, disease surveillance and control. Inherently, these programs have expanded the methods being used. Additionally, research has improved the effectiveness and selectiveness of methods being used and made new tools available. Thus, new methods and strategies will be analyzed in these risk assessments to cover the latest methods being used. The risk assements are being completed in Chapters and will be made available on a website, which can be regularly updated. Similar methods are combined into single risk assessments for efficiency; for example Chapter IV contains all foothold traps being used including standard foothold traps, pole traps, and foot cuffs. The Introduction to Risk Assessments is Chapter I and was completed to give an overall summary of the national WS Program. The methods being used and risks to target and nontarget species, people, pets, and the environment, and the issue of humanenss are discussed in this Chapter. From FY11 to FY15, WS had work tasks associated with 53 different methods being used. -
AC31 Doc. 14.2
Original language: English AC31 Doc. 14.2 CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN ENDANGERED SPECIES OF WILD FAUNA AND FLORA ___________________ Thirty-first meeting of the Animals Committee Geneva (Switzerland), 13-17 July 2020 Interpretation and implementation matters Regulation of trade Non-detriment findings PUBLICATION OF A MANAGEMENT REPORT FOR COMMON WATER MONITORS (VARANUS SALVATOR) IN PENINSULAR MALAYSIA 1. This document has been submitted by Malaysia (Management Authorities of Peninsular Malaysia – Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and Department of Wildlife and National Park Peninsular Malaysia).* Background 2. For the last 50 years, Malaysia has sustained a trade in the skins of Common Water Monitors (Varanus salvator), listed in Appendix II since 1975. In accordance of Article IV, paragraph 3, exports of the specimens of Appendix-II species must be monitored continuously and suitable measures to be taken to limit such exports in order to maintain such species throughout their range at a level consistent with their role in the ecosystems and well above the level at which they would qualify for Appendix I. 3. The CITES Scientific and Management Authorities of Peninsular Malaysia committed to improve monitoring and management systems for Varanus salvator in Malaysia, which has resulted in the management system published here (Annex). Objectives and overview of the Management System for Varanus salvator 4. The management report provides information on the biological attributes of V. salvator, recent population data findings in Peninsular Malaysia and the monitoring and management systems used to ensure its sustainable trade. 5. The main specific objectives of the management report are: a) To provide a tool to support wildlife management authorities in Malaysia in the application of CITES provisions such as Non-detriment findings (NDFs). -
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. -
Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus Mindorensis Merlijn Van Weerd
Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis Merlijn van Weerd Centre of Environmental Science, Leiden University, Abel Tasmanstraat 5bis, Utrecht 3531 GR, Netherlands ([email protected]) Common Names: Philippine crocodile (English), buwaya 2009 IUCN Red List: CR (Critically Endangered. Criteria (general Philippines), bukarot (northern Luzon) A1c. Observed decline in extent of occurrence >80% in 3 generations. C2a. Less than 250 adults in the wild, populations highly fragmented and declining; IUCN 2009) (last assessed Range: Philippines in 1996). Taxonomic Status The Philippine crocodile was described in 1935 by Karl Schmidt on the basis of a type specimen and three paratypes from the island of Mindoro (Schmidt 1935, 1938). Schmidt also described the closely related New Guinea freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae) in 1928 and later made a comparison of morphological differences between C. mindorensis, C. novaeguineae and C. porosus, maintaining C. mindorensis as a separate species (1956). However the Philippine crocodile has long been treated as C. novaeguineae mindorensis, a sub-species of the New Guinea crocodile, by other authorities. Hall (1989) provided new evidence of the distinctness of the Philippine crocodile and nowadays C. mindorensis is generally treated as a full species endemic to the Philippines. Figure 1. Distribution of Crocodylus mindorensis. Figure 2. Juvenile C. mindorensis in Dunoy Lake, in Northern Sierra Madre National Park, northern Luzon. Photograph: Merlijn van Weerd. Conservation Overview CITES: Appendix I Ecology and Natural History CSG Action Plan: The Philippine crocodile is a relatively small freshwater Availability of recent survey data: Adequate crocodile. Although much is still unknown, studies at two Need for wild population recovery: Highest captive breeding facilities [Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Potential for sustainable management: Low Conservation Centre (PWRCC), Palawan Island (Ortega Van Weerd, M. -
Fauna of Australia 2A
FAUNA of AUSTRALIA 39. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF THE ORDER CROCODYLIA Harold G. Cogger 39. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF THE ORDER CROCODYLIA Pl. 9.1. Crocodylus porosus (Crocodylidae): the salt water crocodile shows pronounced sexual dimorphism, as seen in this male (left) and female resting on the shore; this species occurs from the Kimberleys to the central east coast of Australia; see also Pls 9.2 & 9.3. [G. Grigg] Pl. 9.2. Crocodylus porosus (Crocodylidae): when feeding in the water, this species lifts the tail to counter balance the head; see also Pls 9.1 & 9.3. [G. Grigg] 2 39. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF THE ORDER CROCODYLIA Pl. 9.3. Crocodylus porosus (Crocodylidae): the snout is broad and rounded, the teeth (well-worn in this old animal) are set in an irregular row, and a palatal flap closes the entrance to the throat; see also Pls 9.1 & 9.2. [G. Grigg] 3 39. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF THE ORDER CROCODYLIA Pl. 9.4. Crocodylus johnstoni (Crocodylidae): the freshwater crocodile is found in rivers and billabongs from the Kimberleys to eastern Cape York; see also Pls 9.5–9.7. [G.J.W. Webb] Pl. 9.5. Crocodylus johnstoni (Crocodylidae): the freshwater crocodile inceases its apparent size by inflating its body when in a threat display; see also Pls 9.4, 9.6 & 9.7. [G.J.W. Webb] 4 39. GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND DEFINITION OF THE ORDER CROCODYLIA Pl. 9.6. Crocodylus johnstoni (Crocodylidae): the freshwater crocodile has a long, slender snout, with a regular row of nearly equal sized teeth; the eyes and slit-like ears, set high on the head, can be closed during diving; see also Pls 9.4, 9.5 & 9.7. -
Multiple Paternity in a Reintroduced Population of the Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus Intermedius) at the El Frío Biological Station, Venezuela
View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Online Research @ Cardiff RESEARCH ARTICLE Multiple Paternity in a Reintroduced Population of the Orinoco Crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) at the El Frío Biological Station, Venezuela Natalia A. Rossi Lafferriere1,2☯*, Rafael Antelo3,4,5☯, Fernando Alda4,6, Dick Mårtensson7, Frank Hailer8,9, Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher10, José Ayarzagüena5†, Joshua R. Ginsberg1,11, Javier Castroviejo5,12, Ignacio Doadrio4, Carles Vilá13, George Amato2 1 Department of Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Biology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America, 2 Sackler Institute of Comparative Genomics, American Museum of Natural History, New York, New York, United States of America, 3 Fundación Palmarito Casanare, Bogotá, Colombia, 4 Dpto. Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, Spain, 5 Estación Biológica El Frío, Apure, Venezuela, 6 LSU Museum of Natural Science, Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States of America, 7 Department of Evolutionary Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, 8 School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF10 3AX, Wales, United Kingdom, 9 Center for Conservation and Evolutionary Genetics, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, Washington, DC, United OPEN ACCESS States of America, 10 Lab. de Sistemática de Vertebrados, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande Citation: Rossi Lafferriere NA, Antelo R, Alda F, do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brasil, 11 Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, United States of America, 12 Asociación Amigos de Doñana, Seville, Spain, 13 Conservation and Evolutionary Mårtensson D, Hailer F, Castroviejo-Fisher S, et al. -
Limpkins Preyed on by Tegu Lizards at an Urban Park
Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 26(4): 231–233. SHORT-COMMUNICATIONARTICLE December 2018 Stilts do not protect against crawlers: Limpkins preyed on by Tegu Lizards at an urban park Juliana Vaz Hipolito1 & Ivan Sazima2,3 1 Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. 2 Museu de Zoologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. 3 Corresponding author: [email protected] Received on 25 September 2018. Accepted on 26 November 2018. ABSTRACT: Limpkin (Aramus guarauna) is a long-legged wading bird that forages mostly in wetlands in the open and occasionally under tree cover. Th is large bird is cautious and frequently scans its immediate environs when active or resting. Records of adult Limpkin predators are scarce and restricted to two very large aquatic reptiles, the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in North America and the Yellow Anaconda (Eunectes notaeus) in South America. Herein we report on two Limpkins killed and eaten by Black and White Tegus (Salvator merianae) at an urban park in southeastern Brazil. One of the Limpkins was still alive when we came across the predation event, whereas the other Limpkin seemed freshly killed. Th e fi rst Limpkin was already sprawled on the ground and occasionally opened the bill, vocalised hoarsely and fl apped the wings, while the Tegu repeatedly bit the bird on several body parts, which gradually weakened the bird. Th e Limpkin died when the Tegu bit hard the bird on the head and crushed the skull. In the second event the bird was bitten on several body parts and, thus, we assume that it was also killed by the Tegu that was eating the fresh corpse. -
Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 23(3): 6-9
CROCODILE SPECIALIST GROUP NEWSLETTER VOLUME 27 No. 3 • JULY 2008 - SEPTEMBER 2008 IUCN • Species Survival Commission CSG Newsletter Subscription The CSG Newsletter is produced and distributed by the Crocodile CROCODILE Specialist Group of the Species Survival Commission of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). The CSG Newsletterr provides information on the conservation, status, news and current events concerning crocodilians, and on the SPECIALIST activities of the CSG. The Newsletter is distributed to CSG members and to other interested individuals and organizations. All Newsletter recipients are asked to contribute news and other materials. The CSG Newsletterr is available as: • Hard copy (by subscription - see below); and, • Electronic, downloadable copy (free) from “www.fl mnh.ufl .edu/ GROUP natsci/herpetology/CROCS/CSGnewsletter.htm”. Annual subscriptions for hard copies of the CSG Newsletterr may be made by cash ($US40), credit card ($AUD55) or bank transfer ($AUD55). Cheques ($USD) will be accepted, however due to increased bank charges associated with this method of payment, NEWSLETTER cheques are no longer recommended. A Subscription Form can be downloaded from “www.wmi.com.au/csgnewsletter”. All CSG communications should be addressed to: CSG Executive Offi ce, PO Box 530, Sanderson NT 0813, Australia. VOLUME 27 Number 3 Fax: (61) 8 89470678. E-mail: [email protected]. JULY 2008 – SEPTEMBER 2008 PATRONS IUCN - Species Survival Commission We thank all patrons who have donated to the CSG and its conservation program over many years, and especially to donors in 2006-2007 (listed below). CHAIRMAN: Professor Grahame Webb Big Bull Crocs! ($15,000 or more annually or in aggregate PO Box 530 donations) Sanderson, NT 0813 Australia Japan, JLIA - Japan Leather & Leather Goods Industries Association, CITES Promotion Committee & All Japan EDITORIAL AND EXECUTIVE OFFICE: Reptile Skin and Leather Association, Tokyo, Japan. -
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.