American crocodile - Crocodylus acutus

[Ceratodromeus]

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Crocodilia
Family: Crocodylidae
Subfamily: Crocodylinae
Genus: Crocodylus
Species: C. acutus

Description

One of the largest Crocodilians native to the New World, the American crocodile is easily confused with sympatric species of the Crocodylus genus as their body plan is fairly uniform. This sometimes becomes nightmarish for herpetologists, and in the past it was an issue with nomenclature reviews; C. acutus was (arguably still is) confused with Morelet's crocodile(C.moreletii and/ or the Orinoco crocodile(C. intermedius). However, a trained eye and an attention for detail can help in distinguishing species. The American crocodile is distinguished from the latter two species by its unique dorsal scute arrangement and it's pre-orbital crest(also called the pre-orbital elevation by others){1}. It is an enormous animal as an adult, with most animals today measuring 3-4 meters in total body length. Like all of Crocodylidae, the species is highly sexually dimorphic; males attain much larger sizes then the females, and are responsible for the size records of the species. In the past, large animals have been documented to grow in excess of 6 meters in total body length, and are estimated to weigh 1,200+kg(see below). However, most animals are much smaller then this; in fact, one study conducted in Belize in 2011{2} concluded the average estimated adults of this particular population weighed a mere ~77kg. With this being noted, most adult animals will weigh between 100-500kg depending on sex and locality, of course with the propensity to grow much larger.

Geographic distribution & habitat

The American crocodile is a very successful species range-wise. They're found throughout Florida, and down through Central America and reaching down into South America. One major problem for them is Florida's cold temperatures at parts of the year, as they are not as cold tolerant as the American alligator is, and this is the main reason they are restricted to the southern part of Florida. They are saltwater tolerant, but prefer freshwater or brackish waters. Being a mainly coastal species, they have been often sighted swimming in the ocean, and sightings of these crocodiles from the Grand Cayman Islands is thought to originate from animals swimming from Cuba.

 

Dietary habits

The snout of this particular species is very narrow, which is an adaptation for losing drag in the waters while snapping at fish. Studies have confirmed that the bulk of this species' diet is indeed fish{3}, however, the species takes as very wide variety of prey, as they are dietary generalists. Young animals (hatchlings and up) eat mainly small insects, frogs, fish, and even occasionally small mammals such as mice. As they grow older, and experience the ontogenic shift in their diet(accompanied by a broadening of the snout), they take larger animals. Large river turtles, marine catfish, peccaries, Spectacled caiman, and even nesting olive ridley sea turtles have been documented being predated by the species{1,4}. These animals have the propensity to become habituated to human settlements such as ranches, where they will take domestic animals(dogs, sheep, chickens) with regularity once they recognize a stable food source. This, of course, brings them into conflict with humans. There is even a report of these animals eating fruits (mangos, sea almonds), which were found in the stomach of one individual{5}.

Reproduction

Sexual maturity is attain around the three meter mark by both sexes, though males attain maturity at shorter body lengths then females. Mating appears to occur in the late fall or early winter, with females constructing nests at the end of winter/ early spring. The mating system of this species is figured to be polygamous in nature, with males mating with several females and chasing off rival suitors. Not surprisingly, females are hyper aggressive when it comes to defending their nests. They will chase off other females that get too close, and have been known to attack turtles that are hapless enough to get too close for comfort. Females have also been known to kill and eat iguanas and raccoons that see their nests as a potential meal as well. Typical of crocodylidae, females select nests sites near the waters edge, as it makes mounting a defense much easier for the maternal animal {1} . The clutch, which numbers any where from 22-60 eggs, incubates for approximately 80-90 days, and hatchlings are commonly found to emerge, coincidentally, at the beginning of the rainy season {1} . They hatchlings will stick together in aggregations for many months, but most are picked off by predators such as raccoons. As they grow older, they do not have much to fear in the way of predators.  However, Great white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) was known to attack and kill American crocodiles in the ocean rather commonly in the past, and predation on a ~2.5 meter long individual by a Jaguar has also been documented.

References

{1} Gorzula, S. J., and A. Paolillo. "Crocodiles Proceedings of the 7th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group." (1986).

{2} Platt, S. G., T. R. Rainwater, J. B. Thorbjarnarson & D. Martin 2011. Size estimation, morphometrics, sex ratio, sexual size dimorphism, and biomass of Crocodylus acutus in the coastal zone of Belize. Salamandra 47 (4): 179-192.

{3} Villegas, Alejandro, and Juan Jacobo Schmitter Soto. "Feeding habits of the american crocodile, crocodylus acutus (cuvier, 1807)(reptilia: crocodylidae) in the southern coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico." Acta Zoológica Mexicana (nueva serie) 24.3 (2008): 117-124.

{4} Heithaus, Michael R., et al. "A review of lethal and non-lethal effects of predators on adult marine turtles." Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 356.1 (2008): 43-51.

{5} ELSEY, RUTH M., and Louisi RYAN KING. "ALLIGATOR MISSISSIPPIENSIS (American Alligator). LARGE PRESUMPTIVE FEMALE: A CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY." Herpetological Review 45 (2014): 1.

[Ceratodromeus]

this is an interesting read 



link to book

[Ceratodromeus]

Here are more dietary reports, some of which i've never read of the american crocodile taking -- including the jaguarundi which i've underlined.





From "Observación del consumo de presas en el cocodrilo americano

(Crocodylus acutus Cuvier, 1807): registro fotográfico"

neat photos from this paper


link to study

[Ceratodromeus]

Crocodylus acutus (Cuvier, 1807). Predation on a Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis) in the ocean.
The American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) has a wide distribution that extends from the southern tip of Florida,
United States, and the Caribbean islands of Cuba, Hispaniola, and Jamaica to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico, then
southward to Colombia and Venezuela, and on the Pacific from northern Sinaloa, Mexico, to northern Peru (Ponce-
Campos et al, 2012). In Costa Rica, C. acutus is known to occur on both versants in large rivers and streams, often in
brackish water near the mouths of rivers, as well as in salt and freshwater marshes, mangrove swamps, and swamp
forests, at elevations below 200 m (Savage, 2002). Although typically associated with brackish estuaries and large
rivers and streams, C. acutus occasionally ventures into marine environments (Savage 2002), indicating some tolerance
of saltwater (Wheatley et al., 2012; Platt et al., 2013). Data on the habits and diet of C. acutus inhabiting marine
or coastal areas, however, remain poorly studied, compared with those of more inland areas (Platt et al., 2013).
On 6 January 2016 at ca. 1000 h, we observed a C. acutus preying on a Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)
along the shoreline of Playa Naranjo, Sector Santa Rosa, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Provincia
de Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The event occurred directly across the shore from Laguna El Limbo, an area of beach
surrounded by mangroves (10°46'14.11"N, 85°39'42.68"W, WGS 84) in Tropical Dry Forest. At the time of the
encounter we were walking along the beach with a group of university students when we observed a large animal
moving in the surf about 25 m from our position. Within a few seconds, a C. acutus ca. 3 m in total length jumped
out of the water holding a pelican in its jaws. The C. acutus shook the bird violently for about a second before
disappearing underwater, and reappeared a few meters away with the remains of the pelican floating in the water
(Fig. 1A). We never saw the pelican alive, so do not believe we witnessed the actual attack. Our observations with
binoculars suggest that we interrupted the C. acutus attempting to dismember the carcass, and that the crocodile
released the pelican because of our presence on the beach. Nonetheless, the C. acutus did not flee but for ca. 5 min
maintained a position in the surf facing us near the carcass (Fig. 1B). At least once the C. acutus made movements
suggesting it might be coming onto the beach near our location, but it then swam north, parallel with the shoreline,
until it disappeared from view (Fig. 1C).

Crocodylus acutus is an opportunistic predator known to prey upon a large variety of organisms (i.e., fishes,

reptiles, birds, mammals), and as individuals increase in body size they feed on larger vertebrate prey, including

large birds (Thorbjarnarson, 1989; Savage, 2002; Villegas and Schmitter-Soto, 2008). We are unaware of any published

reports of C. acutus preying on P. occidentalis, but cormorants (Phalachrocorax sp.), which are similar in

size, have been reported in the diet of adult C. acutus inhabiting marine cays and atolls in Belize (Platt et al., 2013)

and in coastal lagoons in Quintana Roo, Mexico (Villegas and Schmitter-Soto, 2008). Furthermore, two recent

Internet videos show C. acutus swallowing P. occidentalis at Parque Nacional Corcovado, Provincia de Puntarenas,

Costa Rica (Youtube 2011, 2013), indicating that our observation is not an isolated occurrence.

The foraging behavior of C. acutus in the marine and near-shore habitats of Costa Rica requires further study.

In addition to further elucidating the life history of this species in marine environments (Platt et al., 2013), this information

also might serve to reduce human-crocodile conflicts, because occasional attacks on domestic animals,

livestock, and humans by large C. acutus also occur in Costa Rica (Savage, 2002). For example, numerous tourists

use the beaches at Sector Santa Rosa for recreational purposes (VA, pers. observ.), and a better understanding of
how frequently C. acutus uses these near-shore marine habitats for dispersal or foraging may serve to better protect

human safety while ensuring the conservation of crocodiles in these and other protected areas of Costa Rica

mesoamericanherpetology.com/current-issue.html

[Ceratodromeus]

Climbing behavior in extant crocodilians
"Extant crocodilians are generally considered to be
predominantly or semi-aquatic. And, although the
role of terrestrial activity in their natural history is
increasingly recognized (see, for example, an overview
of terrestrial hunting in crocodilians in Dinets, 2011),
they are virtually never thought of as animals capable
of climbing. Their non-arboreality is often taken for
granted in various analyses of tetrapod limb evolution
and behaviour of extinct Archosauria (see BirnJeffery
et al., 2012, for a discussion of the subject
and a bibliography). Climbing behaviour in extant
crocodilians has never been described in detail in the
scientific literature, though it was briefly mentioned by
Tarsitano & Hecht (1980), Frey (1988), and, earlier,
Guggisberg (1972) who wrote that baby crocodiles “can
climb into bushes, up trees and even hang on reeds like
chameleons.”
Despite this limited documentation, the ability of
crocodilians (mostly juveniles) to climb trees is well
known to local residents in some locations. They
reported routinely observing basking in mangrove
trees by juvenile American crocodiles (Crocodylus
acutus) near Tulum (Quintana Roo, Mexico, Jason
Cleinsten pers. comm.), in mangrove trees up to 10 m
above ground by juveniles of the same species in Isla
de Salamanca National Park (Barranquila, Colombia,
Juan Cabrera pers. comm.) and by juvenile estuarine
crocodiles (C. porosus) near Sorong (West Papua,
Indonesia, Benyamin Syatfle pers. comm.). A photo
of a Nile crocodile (C. niloticus) climbing a low
tree trunk was obtained in March 2012 by Grant and
Dimari Oliver in Okavango Delta, Botswana (Larien
Spies pers. comm.). Photos of a juvenile New Guinea
crocodile (C. novaeguineae) basking on a tree trunk
growing at an angle were taken at Elevala River (Papua
New Guinea) by Michael Lech (pers. comm.). A photo
of a Philippine crocodile (C. mindorensis) in a tree
can be seen in van Weerd & van der Ploeg (2012).
Crocodiles (presumably Central African slendersnouted
crocodile Mecistops cataphractus, see notes
on taxonomy below) are reportedly often observed in
Odzala-Kokoua National Park (Republic of Congo)
as they bask in trees in very dense rainforest (Jackie
Appleton unpubl. obs.). Juvenile Siamese crocodiles
(C. siamensis) in Laos (Octávio Mateus pers. comm.)
and American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) in
USA (Shawn Heflick pers. comm.) have been observed "

"On many occasions, V.D. observed American
crocodiles up to 1 m long (by visual estimate) lying
on aerial roots and low branches of mangrove trees
during the day. Such observations were made at the
following locations: Santa Rosa National Park (Costa
 Rica),, Lago Enriquillo (Dominican Republic),  Isla de Salamanca National Park
(Colombia,) and Everglades National Park(USA). All of these “roosts” were in well-concealed places
above the water, usually in red mangroves (Rhizophora
mangle), up to 1 m above the water surface. Some were
in black mangroves (Avicennia germinans), and on one
occasion a crocodile visually estimated to be 45 cm long
was observed approximately 3 m above the water at high
tide. Climbing to some of these roosting sites apparently
required the crocodiles to scale tree trunks, aerial roots
and/or branches growing at more than 45 degree angle.
Despite extensive night-time observations, American
crocodiles were never seen in trees at night. The process
of climbing was never observed. All crocodiles seen in
trees were extremely wary, and jumped or fell in the
water when the approaching observer was still more
than 10 m away. This shyness might explain why treeclimbing
behaviour in crocodilians remains relatively
little known despite being relatively common.

herpetologynotes.seh-herpetology.org/Volume7_PDFs/Dinets_HerpetologyNotes_volume7_pages3-7.pdf

[Ceratodromeus]

POPULATION STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF CROCODYLUS ACUTUS AND C. MORELETII IN SOUTHEASTERN QUINTANA ROO, MÉXICO
Abstract
We conducted spotlight surveys and a mark-recapture program from February–October 2002 to
determine the population status of the American and Morelet’s crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus and C.
moreletii, respectively) in southeastern Quintana Roo, México. We detected 645 crocodiles (46 C. acutus,
599 C. moreletii) along 205.2 km of survey route. Crocodylus acutus occurred in coastal saltwater habitats,
and C. moreletii inhabited freshwater systems. In brackish creeks located in northern Chetumal Bay, C.
moreletii occurred syntopically with C. acutus. The C. acutus population was largely composed of subadults
(53.1%), followed by adults (34.3%), and juveniles (6.25%); whereas C. moreletii was equally represented
by subadults (27.9%), juveniles (27.6%), and adults (25.9%), while hatchlings and yearlings constituted
only 9.0% and 9.4%, respectively. Encounter rates for C. acutus were lower than for C. moreletii (0.13–2.69
and 0.87–7.57 crocodiles/km, respectively). Population sex ratio was not significantly different from parity
for C. moreletii. At present, there are no major threats to the continued survival of Morelet’s crocodile in the
study area. On the other hand, the small population of C. acutus is threatened by accidental drowning in
fishing nets and future development of nesting habitat for tourism.
[/img]

"Size Class Structure and Habitat Use
The C. acutus population was mainly composed
of subadults (53.1%, n = 17), followed by
adults (34.3%, n = 11), and juveniles (6.25%, n =
2). We found only one hatchling and one yearling,
both were at Cementerio Lagoon. All size classes
were present in lagoon habitat, whereas only
subadults and adults occupied the creek-canal and
small bay habitats.
The population of C. moreletii was equally represented
by subadults (27.9%, n = 86), juveniles
(27.6%, n = 85), and adults (25.9%, n = 80).
Hatchlings and yearlings constituted only 9% (n =
28) and 9.4% (n = 29) of the population, respectively.
All size classes were present in river habitat;
all size classes except hatchlings were found in
creeks; adults were not recorded in swamp habitat;
and few crocodiles of any size class occurred in
small bay and lagoon habitats.
Sixty three percent (n = 29) of American crocodiles
were found in shallow lagoons, 30% in creeks
(n = 14), and 6.5% in small bays (n = 3). C. acutus
was not recorded in swamp and river habitats. Most
Morelet´s crocodiles (87.6%, n = 525) were
observed in rivers and creeks (8.3%, n = 50), while
the remainder 4.1% (n = 24) occurred in other habitats
(swamp, small bay, and lagoon)."

link to study

[Ceratodromeus]

Good news for the American crocodile population in Belize!
Population status of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) in Caye Caulker, Belize
Abstract
We assessed the population status of the American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) via nocturnal
eyeshine and capture investigations in January, March, and April of 2016 in Caye Caulker, Belize. We
encountered 55 crocodiles along a 22.15 km survey route. The majority of crocodiles occupied coastal
mangrove habitat in the southern (more developed) and northern (less developed) regions of the island.
The C. acutus population was composed of 36% juveniles, 40% subadults, 16% adults, and 7% were
identified as eyeshine only (encounter rate = 2.4 crocodiles/km). The population sex ratio was 1:1, and
the cutaneous parasite Paratrichosoma was found on 92% of the captured crocodiles. Our data suggest a
relatively stable and healthy population of C. acutus on Caye Caulker, but recent increases in pollution and
human settlement could threaten the viability of this population.

Discussion
"Our results confirm a relatively stable but possibly still recovering population of Crocodylus acutus, on account of
the slight scarcity of adults and a bias toward smaller individuals. Although we found a 1:1 sex ratio, the capture of
additional larger animals could provide important information to further validate the sex ratio of crocodiles on Caye
Caulker, and might reinforce management plans. Additionally, the raw data do not illustrate significant patterns of
preferred habitat occupied by the different size cohorts. Ontogenetic diet shifts, territorial aggression, and predation
on smaller animals generally predispose crocodilians in various life stages to utilize different habitats (Chabreck,
1965; Joanen and McNease, 1970, 1972; Delany and Abercrombie, 1986). Future ontogenetic niche studies would
be beneficial, as they might reveal cryptic habitat preferences among the various size cohorts, which could further
conservation efforts by preserving specific habitats for crocodiles.
Paratrichosoma sp. is a nematode that infects the epidermal skin on the venter crocodiles, which is identified
by cutaneous zigzagging trails (Ashford and Muller, 1978; Tellez and Paquet-Durand, 2011). The parasite is
benign, and infected individuals are known to recover (MT, MB, KK, unpublished). Although a ubiquitous and
familiar parasite among international field researchers and crocodile farmers, little data on the life cycle and environmental
relationships between Paratrichosoma sp. and crocodylians are available. We found a 92% prevalence
of Paratrichosoma sp. infection in the C. acutus on Caye Caulker, and all the crocodiles we observed appeared
healthy given their robust neck and tail girth (Huchzermeyer, 2003). Interestingly, Paratrichosoma sp. is more
prevalent on Caye Caulker than on Ambergris Caye (an island ca. 9 km N of Caye Caulker) (MT, unpublished).
Previous and ongoing studies demonstrate a positive correlation between the prevalence of Paratrichosoma sp. to
the pristine state or health and stability of the environment (Webb et al., 1983; Moravec and Vargas-Vázquez, 1998;
MT, unpublished). Paratrichosoma sp. prevalence infected 100% of C. moreletii from Ría Celestún Biosphere
Reserve, Yucatán, Mexico (Moravec and Vargas-Vázquez, 1998), and 100% of the juveniles, subadults, and adults
of C. johnstoni from the McKinlay River, Northern Territory, Australia (Webb et al., 1983). Current research on
C. moreletti from Chiquibul Forest, Belize, illustrates similar patterns as those in the aforementioned study on C.
johnstoni (MT, unpublished). In the above studies crocodile populations were isolated from human development,
and pollution was minimal. Thus, perhaps the current Paratrichosoma sp. data collected on Caye Caulker indicates
a relatively stable and healthy environment, and future studies should assess the use of Paratrichosoma sp. as a
possible biological indicator of the environmental state of crocodilian habitats.
The majority of C. acutus in the caye were found in coastal mangroves. Although the southern part of the caye
is undergoing development, the remaining mangroves appear to contain acceptable habitat where animals can find
food and shelter. The increasing amount of pollution in the mangroves along the southern part of the island, resulting
from improper waste disposal, is of concern. Such pollution can cause a bioaccumulation of pollutants by crocodiles
and other wildlife, mitigating any conservation efforts due to the adverse effects of heavy metal toxicity (Campbell,
2003; Zhou et al., 2008; Rabalais et al., 2009; Tellez and Merchant, 2015). Presently, the northern portion of Caye
Caulker contains the most favorable habitat for C. acutus, because of the lesser amount of development, pollution,
and human contact. The establishment of a forest and marine reserve in the northern part of Caye Caulker in the
late 1990s likely has contributed to the preservation of crocodile habitat, and possibly to the current stable status
of C. acutus. Additionally, the northern region, particularly around the forest reserve, favors successful nesting (T.
Aguilar, pers. comm.), and provides an amalgamation of food for all size cohorts. Support and preservation of the
forest and marine reserve should continue, as presumably its inauguration has contributed to the current healthy and
stable status of C. acutus on Caye Caulker.
Twenty years ago the population of C. acutus on Caye Caulker was considered to be recovering from past
exploitation, primarily because of the abundance of smaller crocodiles and the scarcity of adults observed (Platt,
1997). The Platt (1997) NES and capture survey recorded 52 crocodiles (48 encountered during the NES, four
captured; encounter rate = 3.4 crocodiles/km). Although our encounter rate is lower than that in the previous study,
it likely does not reflect a decline in the population size of C. acutus on Caye Caulker because (1) we surveyed a
greater distance than in the previous study (particularly in the interior part of the island), and (2) we likely missed
at least four or five larger crocodiles that are known to inhabit a lagoon on private land on the northern part of Caye
Caulker. An additional factor is that we might have failed to count crocodiles along the northeastern side of the
island, because the water level in this area was too low for the boat to pass through, so we surveyed far from the
coastal mangrove. Consequently, we believe our crocodile encounter rate could have been similar or higher than
that reported by Platt (1997). We also found more subadults and adults than previously encountered, which can be[/url]
indicative of a stable reproductive population (P. Ross, pers. comm). Therefore, we suggest that the present crocodile
population on Caye Caulker is relatively more stable than the population of 20 years ago."

mesoamericanherpetology.com/uploads/3/4/7/9/34798824/tellez_et_al_paper.pdf

[Ceratodromeus]

Rostral abnormality in a ~2.5m adult
"Certain rostral abnormalities in crocodylians have
been reported, such as prognathia (elongated lower jaw), brachygnathia (shortened lower jaw), agnathia (completely
missing lower jaw), crossbite (lower or upper jaw laterally displaced) and an upward curving of the snout
(Hutchzermeyer, 2003). On 7 March and 1, 2 and 7 May 2013, at Marina Vallarta Golf Course (20°39'59"N,
105°15'48"W; datum WGS 84; elev. 5 m) in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, we observed and photographed an
adult American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus (total length ≤ 2.50 m; individual not captured and sexed), with a
rostral abnormality. The upper and lower jaws of the individual were curved upward, from the base to the tip of the
snout (Fig. 1). Jaw abnormalities in crocodylians are considered ontogenetic rather than the result of post-hatching
injuries (Webb and Manolis, 1983). To our knowledge, this is the first report of this type of rostral abnormality in
the relatively longirostrine C. acutus, a widely distributed species in coastal regions of the northern Neotropics
(Thorbjarnarson, 1989). "

www.mesoamericanherpetology.com/uploads/3/4/7/9/34798824/other-contributions-june-2016.pdf

[Ceratodromeus]

Daring British photographer takes incredible snaps of crocodile diving underwater in hunt for prey

"This croc was more than obliging in showing off his best side for a quick underwater snap.

Prowling the shallows of Mexico’s Xcalak coast, its razor sharp teeth were perfectly-placed to take a quick bite of this cameraman’s arm.


The scaled beasts were captured by British wildlife photographer, Chris Knight, who managed to get the crocodiles cracking a smile for their close-up.

Fearlessly following their every move through the seagrass, Chris captured them hunting for unsuspecting prey near the surface."

www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/daring-british-photographer-takes-incredible-9717308

[Ceratodromeus]

Novel predation event

" The American Crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, is a widely distributed species
in coastal regions of the Neotropics (Thorbjarnarson, 1989). The feeding habits of this species vary during ontogenetic
development, as during the early stages individuals feed on arachnids, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and
small fishes, and as they grow they ingest larger prey and a greater diversity of prey items, including crustaceans,
fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals (Casas-Andreu and Barrios-Quiroz, 2003; Cupul-Magaña et al.,
2008; Villegas and Schmitter-Soto, 2008; Platt et al., 2013). A recent review of prey consumption across most of
the distribution of C. acutus indicated the following 53 food items identified to species-level (Cupul-Magaña et
al., 2015): arthropods (two species), crustaceans (14), fishes (10), amphibians (one), reptiles (11), birds (12), and
mammals (three).
On 29 August 2016, in a water hazard at Marina Vallarta Club de Golf, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
(20°39'59"N, 105°15'46"W; datum: WGS 84; elev. < 5 m), we observed and photographed an adult C. acutus (total
length ≤ 3 m; individual not captured or sexed) eating a live juvenile Green-backed Heron, Butorides virescens (Fig.
1). Hernández-Vázquez and Fernández-Aceves (1999) suggested that chicks of B. virescens falling into the water
of La Manzanilla estuary, in Jalisco, Mexico, might become easy prey for C. acutus. To our knowledge, this note
represents the first photographic record and confirmation of C. acutus preying on B. virescens."

mesoamericanherpetology.com/uploads/3/4/7/9/34798824/other_contribution_notes_december_2016.pdf

[Ceratodromeus]

Floridian American crocodile takes a 'pitbull mix' -- people will never learn to keep their dogs leashed.

"A Florida dog owner lost her beloved pet during a walk at a local golf course when a crocodile emerged from the water and killed it.
The woman and her pit bull mix were strolling around Crandon Golf Course in Key Biscayne off the coast of Miami when the dog chased ducks near the water's edge and was captured by the reptile.
The 25lb pooch was dragged down by the crocodile and could not be saved by wildlife officials when they arrived, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials.

Commission spokesman Lorenzo Veloz told the Sun Sentinel that the crocodiles at the course normally feed on possums and raccoons from the surrounding area, and the animal thought the dog was prey.
The dog was not leashed when it ran towards the water on Saturday, and Veloz said that the incident could have been prevented if it had been.
WSVN reported that the canine's body was still visible on the pond as of Monday afternoon.
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3339870/Florida-woman-s-pit-bull-mix-killed-crocodile-emerges-water-golf-course-snatches-beloved-pooch.html

[Infinity Blade]

Discovery of facultative parthenogenesis in a new world crocodile

Over the past two decades, there has been an astounding growth in the documentation of vertebrate facultative parthenogenesis (FP). This unusual reproductive mode has been documented in birds, non-avian reptiles—specifically lizards and snakes—and elasmobranch fishes. Part of this growth among vertebrate taxa is attributable to awareness of the phenomenon itself and advances in molecular genetics/genomics and bioinformatics, and as such our understanding has developed considerably. Nonetheless, questions remain as to its occurrence outside of these vertebrate lineages, most notably in Chelonia (turtles) and Crocodylia (crocodiles, alligators and gharials). The latter group is particularly interesting because unlike all previously documented cases of FP in vertebrates, crocodilians lack sex chromosomes and sex determination is controlled by temperature. Here, using whole-genome sequencing data, we provide, to our knowledge, the first evidence of FP in a crocodilian, the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus. The data support terminal fusion automixis as the reproductive mechanism; a finding which suggests a common evolutionary origin of FP across reptiles, crocodilians and birds. With FP now documented in the two main branches of extant archosaurs, this discovery offers tantalizing insights into the possible reproductive capabilities of the extinct archosaurian relatives of crocodilians and birds, notably members of Pterosauria and Dinosauria.

royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsbl.2023.0129