Monday, May 26, 2008

Crocodiles in Tortuguero, Costa Rica


“Its head was this big”, gestured the San Francisco fisherman and then proceeded to draw the outline of a 20 feet crocodile on the sand. This, however, was no fisherman’s tale: sightings in the sea have confirmed there is indeed a more than large American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) lurking in our waters.

Just to be on the safe side, walks down to the Tortuguero river mouth are on hold for now. Local Tortuguero residents have been trying to rid the problem via their own methods. Let’s just hope for the crocodile and everybody else’s sake that it decides to stay well away from all!

The habitat of the American crocodile consists largely of freshwater or brackish water coastal habitats, and mangrove swamps. This species is larger than some other crocodile species, with males reaching lengths of about 6 meters (20 ft), although some larger individuals have been reported. Crocodiles have also been recorded in the canals of Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, where this picture was taken a few weeks ago.

Share/Save/Bookmark

0 comments: