Title: Notes on the Saltwater Crocodile,Crocodylus porosus, in the Republic of Palau
Abstract: Surveys of the Palauan saltwater crocodile, Crocodylus porosus, were conducted in 2003 to determine population, genetic, morphological and ecological parameters of this species. A total of 45 crocodiles were observed over 32 survey treks: 42 over 103.06 km of coastline (average of 0.44 crocodiles per kilometer), and 3 in an inland survey of 1.61 ha (0.54 crocodiles per hectare). Age classes from one-year-old to adult crocodiles were observed, and all nonhatchling size classes were represented in the population. No crocodiles over 3.3 m total length and no hatchlings smaller than 35 cm total length were observed. Particularly favored localities were Tayo Bay and coast, Ngkeklau coast, and Airai coast. We estimate 500 to 750 animals are present in all size classes. Genetic analysis confirmed our field observations that only the saltwater crocodile species C. porosus inhabits the Republic of Palau and there is no evidence to suggest that the genetic integrity of the wild population has been compromised by the introduction of other crocodilian species. There is, however, evidence suggesting that nonnative C. porosus have contributed genetically to the population.
Publication Year: 2009
Publication Date: 2009-04-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 5
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