The American Crocodile: An Indicator Species for Everglades Restoration
Rebecca G. Harvey, Michiko Squires, Jeff Beauchamp, Frank J. Mazzotti, andLaura A. Brandt
other_contacts: Venetia S. Briggs-Gonzalez, Eric Suarez, andAaron I. Chimelis
The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a top predator that lives along the southern tip of peninsular Florida. Crocodiles inhabit saltwater, brackish water, or freshwater near coastal areas in mangrove-lined ponds, creeks, coves, man-made ponds, and canals. In 1975, the American crocodile was federally listed as an endangered species. Conservation and management have helped the south Florida crocodile population rebound, resulting in its downlisting to threatened in 2007. However, habitat modification and decreased freshwater flow to estuaries still present ongoing concerns for this threatened species.