Population status and habitat preference of Crocodylus moreletii Duméril & Bibron, 1851 (Crocodilia: Crocodylidae) within the limits of two protected natural areas in southeastern Mexico

Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) has recovered from past overexploitation but it is necessary to continue monitoring its status in the context of the sustainable harvest (ranching) planned for the species in Mexico. We obtained new information on the population status of C. moreletii at the boundaries of two protected natural areas in southeastern Mexico that serve as the basis for long-term monitoring. From September 2014–March 2018 we carried out nocturnal sampling and captured crocodiles along four selected routes representing different water body types. For each crocodile observed we collected information on the localization, environment and the individual. We observed a mean of 0.8 ± 0.3 crocodiles/km, with significant differences detected among routes. We captured 54 crocodiles (sex ratio: 1.7 ♂ : 1 ♀). Except for subadults, crocodiles were more frequently associated with medium flooded forest than with other types of vegetation. Adults were observed at deeper sites than other age classes. Observation sites of yearlings have higher salinity than those of neonates, juveniles, and adults. The results show a dynamic population with all size classes in a suitable habitat for its growth.