Snorkel Team During the Day, Crocodile Researchers at Night

Tonight Adam, Kevin, and I had the opportunity of a lifetime; we were allowed to go along with ACES (American Crocodile Education Sanctuary) to further understand how the recent growth of San Pedro is affecting other species outside of the reef.  Vince, Cherie, and Chris brought us to a location on the southern side of the island where human development has encroached on the crocodiles’ habitat.  Mangrove destruction has significantly impacted the crocodiles’ territory; just like mangrove removal has caused destruction of the coral reef.  In the case of the crocodile, the removal of mangroves has made it easier for crocodiles to walk up to people’s homes, where they can feed on the garbage and live underneath them.

Tonight we checked out the area and found hatchlings, baby crocs that probably left their eggs today, floating in the water.  Then the main attraction, they snared a 3.49 meter crocodile which was tagged and measured for further research.  I have a lot of footage to go through, so further updates will be given in the next couple of days.

I would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Vince, Cherie, and Chris for their generosity, passion, and professionalism.  They are truly doing some dangerous, yet necessary science.  For more information please visit their website at http://americancrocodilesanctuary.org/

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