Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii), also known as the Mexican crocodile, is a modest sized crocodilian found only in fresh waters of the Atlantic regions of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. It usually grows to about 3 metres (9.8 ft) in length. It is a conservation-dependent species.
Taxonomy and etymology
Morelet's crocodile was discovered in Mexico in 1850 and named after the French naturalist who made the discovery, P.M.A. Morelet (1809–1892). It was long confused with the Cuban crocodile and the American crocodile because of similar characteristics. It was not realized that they were a separate species until the 1920s.
The Morelet's crocodile has a very broad snout with 66 to 68 teeth when they are fully mature. They are dark grayish-brown in color with dark bands and spots on the body and the tail. This is similar to other crocodiles like the American crocodile, but the Morelet is somewhat darker. Juvenile crocodiles are bright yellow in color with some dark bands. The crocodile’s iris is silvery brown in color. They have 2 legs and 2 arms along with a long tail which is used for swimming. The hind feet of crocodiles are webbed. Crocodile legs are short so the crocodiles are located very close to the ground. They have very explosive capabilities because of their strong muscles and are fast runners.
Morelet’s crocodile is small in size compared to several other crocodiles. The males can become larger than the females. The adult crocodile averages 2.2–3 m (7.2–9.8 ft) in length with a maximum reported length of 4.3 m (14 ft) Body mass in this species is often around 38–58 kg (84–128 lb), though is likely much more in large individuals. Overall, this species is similar to the Cuban and the larger American crocodiles in appearance.
Distribution and habitat
Morelet's crocodile can be found in freshwater habitats in Central America and along the Gulf of Mexico stretching through Belize, Guatemala, and to Mexico. An example ecoregion of occurrence is the Belizean pine forests. In their freshwater habitats they prefer isolated areas that are secluded. This species of crocodile can be largely found in freshwater swamps and marshes which are located inland, and in large rivers and lakes. Both of these habitats are forested to help add cover.
The Morelet can also be found along the coast in brackish waters and the grassy savannas on the Yucatán Peninsula. These crocodiles become much more distributed during the rainy seasons when flooding occurs and it is easier for them to move elsewhere.
Juvenile crocodiles live in very dense cover to protect them from other predators that might be in the area and will remain there until they become older and able to fend for themselves. The adult crocodiles are known to dig out burrows during dry seasons in their area. The range of this crocodile can overlap with the American crocodile, which can sometimes lead to them being confused with one another.
Biology and behavior
Hunting and diet
Morelet's crocodiles prey on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles. These small mammals can include domesticated animals like cats and dogs. Juvenile crocodiles feed largely on fish and insects until they become bigger and more capable of bringing down larger prey. Crocodiles have been known to be cannibalistic, this includes eating their young.
Breeding usually talks place between April and June and the eggs or laid before the start of the rainy season. Morelet's crocodiles are unique among North American crocodiles in that they build mound nests only, and not mound and hole nests. These mound nests are about 3 metres (9.8 ft) wide and 1 metre (3.3 ft) high and can be found near the water or on floating vegetation. A female crocodile can lay between 20 and 45 eggs and nests have been found containing eggs from more than one female. The eggs are buried and the nests are guarded by females that protect their unborn young from predators. The eggs usually hatch after 80 days of incubation and hatchlings are normally about 17 centimetres (6.7 in) long. After the eggs have hatched the female crocodile will carry her young to the water where they are protected by both parents and will later leave them to fend for themselves.
Morelet's crocodile has long been threatened by habitat destruction and illegal hunting. Both of these factors have significantly lowered their populations. It was hunted for its hide during the 1940s and 1950s because high quality leather can be made from their skins. Crocodile leather can be used to make wallets, coats and shoes.
Morelet’s crocodile is an endangered species. One of the key protectors of crocodiles today is the CSG, or Crocodile Specialist Group, started in 1971. This is a worldwide organization of biologist and other professions coming together to conserve the 23 species of alligators and crocodiles. The CSG monitor all trading of crocodile skins. They help determine if the skins are legal or if they were illegally taken. When this organization started all of the crocodilian species were either threatened or endangered. Today those numbers have greatly changed.
“By 1996 one third of the crocodilian species were abundant enough to support regulated annual harvests, another third were no longer in danger of extinction, but the final one third of the species still remain endangered.”
- Ross, J.P. (2000). "Crocodylus moreletii". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 14 March 2012.
- "Crocodilians species (CSG)".
- Britton, Adam. ""Crocodylus Moreletii." Crocodilians Natural History and Conservation. 2002.".
- ""Morelet's Crocodile." Angel Fire. 15 May 2003.".
- ""Morelet's Crocodile." Belize Zoo. 2007.".
- Dever, J. A; Richard E. Strauss, Thomas R. Rainwater, Scott T. McMurry, and Llewellyn D. Densmore III. “Genetic Diversity, Population Subdivision, and Gene Flow in Morelet’s Crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) from Belize, Central America” Copeia. 2002. 4: 1078-1091.
- C. Michael Hogan & World Wildlife Fund. 2012. Belizean pine forests. ed. M. McGinley. Encyclopedia of Earth. Washington DC
- ""Freshwater Crocodile." Australia Zoo.".
- Navarro, Carlos. ""The Return of the Morelet’s Crocodile." Reptilia." (pdf).
- ""Crocodylus Moreletii." Florida Museum.".
- Platt, Steven; John Thorbjarnarson. “Population status and conservation of Morelet’s Crocodile, Crocodylus moreletii, in northern Belize” Biological Conservation. 2000. 96: 21-29.
- King, F. ""The Crocodile Specialist Group." Crocodile Specialist Group. 4 Mar. 2002.".