Ecology of a Population of Crocodylus acutus at a Power Plant Site in Florida

Abstract

This paper presents the status and ecology of a population of Crocodylus acutus associated with the Turkey Point power plant in Florida. Distribution, habitat preference, repro- duction, population size and structure, and recruitment and dispersal are discussed. Nesting occurs on spoil berms in the cooling canal system. The Turkey Point population con- tributes 10% of the annual production of hatchlings in southern Florida. Crocodiles have exploited previously unavailable, man-altered nesting habitat in approximately 4 years. The resident population consists of a minimum of 19 adult, subadult and juvenile crocodiles. This population exhibits differential habitat preferences according to size class, and shows seasonal changes in distribution. Salinity regime is a factor in these trends. Ecology and population structure are similar to those of the population residing in the more pristine habitat of Everglades National Park. Long distance dispersal and recruitment into the Turkey Point population are documented. The long-term outlook for the population in this man-altered habitat is for growth and expansion.