Protected Crocs
Despite their high adaptability –thriving in both fresh and salt waters, and equipped with webbed toes for speedy land and water travel– in all the regions they’re found, their population has greatly declined. American Crocodiles, including those dwelling in Cozumel, have been hunted for their hides to supply the lucrative leather trade, threatened by pollution and forced from their habitats. The later is due to human development and the potential incursion and inundation of wetland habitats as climate changes raise sea levels.
Under the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) these reptilian creatures have been listed as endangered, whereas the IUCN Red list rated the merely ‘Vulnerable”. In Cozumel, the reptile remains protected from illegal harassing, poaching or killing under the ESA.
Taking a closer look
With their prehistoric features they are easily recognizable. Their dusky, grey-green skin and long narrow snouts set them apart from other species of crocodiles, and when the crock’s strong jaws are closed, its fourth tooth on either side of their bottom jaw peek out.
Hatching after a three month incubation period, these creatures are born in clutches of up to 60 eggs at a time. The babies are approximately 22 centimetres (8.7 in) in size weighing approximately 60 grams (2 oz). The average adult can grow to 4metres (13ft) in length and can weigh up to 382 KG (840 lb) Females are often the smaller of the species, averaging 3 metres (9.8 ft) and 173 kilograms (380 lb). However, they can grow much bigger than this. In fact, in Central America one such crocodile was reported to reach 7 metres (22 ft)!
As they grow into adult hood, living up to 70 –and rarely, 100– years, a noticeable swelling begins to form beneath each of the crocodile’s eye.
Starting from snacking on insects as young crocodiles, these creatures grow to eat fish—making up the bulk of their diet– birds, turtles, crabs, frogs, snails and even cattle. When fully grown they have no natural predators, and are capable of preying on practically any animal.
Decidedly less aggressive than the Nile and Australian relatives, American crocodiles are rarely seen by people, and have even been described as timid. However, there have been documented reports of human attacks and in the event that you get the chance to see one it is advised that they are not approached. Both on land and in the water, crocodiles can move with extreme speed despite their size. Using its tail as a paddle it can swim up to 20 miles an hour.
In the event an American Crocodile engages you on land, running in a zigzag pattern will greatly increase your chances of escape, as their body shape makes it difficult to manoeuvre quickly out of the water.
Where to Go
In Cozumel, they are said to be a shy by nature making chancing upon one rare. More commonly than not they can be spotted in the northern and southern areas of the island. You can observe this fascinating reptile in its natural environment at Cozumel’s Punta Sur Park. Also, looking back down the road from the lighthouse at Punta Sur with the sea on your right, to the left you will find a natural crocodile lagoon.
And there, if you’re lucky, you'll also find the Crocodylus Acutus.
Adventure Tours
Join our Crocodile Tour on the mainland of the Riveira Maya to certainly see crocodiles on your tour.
If you are interesting in a beautiful nature tour of Cozumel see the Cozumel Island Tour.
Some good links:
Some Great Mayan Ruins Tours
- Chichen Itza Tour
- Palenque Tour
- Tulum Tour and Zip Line
- Tulum Tour & Xel Ha
- Uxmal & Kabah Tour
- Calakmul Tour
- Tikal Tour and El Peru Canoe
- Tikal Yaxha Nakum Tour
- Coba Tour Sunset
- Coba Tour Adventure
