Breeding and rearing the Orinoco crocodile Crocodylus intermedius in Venezuela

Abstract

Intensive hunting in the first part of this century placed the Orinoco crocodile Crocodylus intermedius in immediate danger of extinction. We studied the potential for enhancing populations through captive rearing. In an area of 35 000 m 2 seven enclosures were developed with six earthen and eight concrete ponds. In two years' operation a hatching rate of 72·4% and a hatchling survival rate of 42% were obtained. In the first year males attained an average total length of 745 mm and females 620 mm. In the second year average total length was 1362 mm and 1111 mm, respectively. Seasonal changes in growth and the influence of climatic conditions in mortality are discussed. Captive breeding and rearing appears to be an appropriate conservation strategy for this species.