AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums About Belize Nature Ambergris Croc Relocation Concern

And truthfully, as long as garbage is continually dumped at the lagoon's edge, anyone may have a croc problem. Indirect feeding is the second cause, next to direct feeding, of problematic crocodiles. The crocodiles come to feed on the fish, raccoons and other animals that are feeding on the garbage.

...dumping trash in the lagoon's edge is obviously bad/wrong on lots of front (perhaps it should be dumped further IN the lagoon, to keep the crocs away from the periphery?)

...and yes, anybody on the island may have a croc problem, especially w/ the problem crocs being shuffled about the island.

Again and in all seriousness, what exactly is hoped to be accomplished by moving a problem croc, for all intent purposes, "across town" ???

Cherie, I will ignore your last post and want to point out that before you came to this island we didn't have a crocodile problem up north. Now you are basically saying that unless we donate to build a facility for you, you will keep dropping problem crocodiles in our backyards? I don't think that is the way to get support. When there is no possibility to keep problem crocodiles in captivity at this moment you should face the facts and put the next one you capture down. Then you will get respect and support.
Jan

PS: At Peccary Hills which they are trying to declare a nature reserve, 5 crocodiles were killed a few months ago by jaguars. I think they want some new ones, as they are a tourist attraction.

I remember a story from 15 to 20 years ago, some problem crocodiles were relocated to Turneffe, they also came back.
Jan

No one has really chimed in with any explanation of what, exactly, is accomplished by moving the problem crocs from one neighborhood on the island to another...???

Seems that, given the current lack of a completed sanctuary, less a problem croc is going to be killed, for the time being, they might as well simply be left where they are??? I mean unless they're in someone's living room, why trap them???

Just askin'...

ACES has never stated that we intend to ignore your concerns. We are trying to provide solutions to the problem and are open to suggestions.

First, indiscriminate development that fragments croc habitats, filling of wetland habitats for development, directly feeding crocs, and improper waste disposal are the causes of problematic crocs. You are hearing of more croc problems, because we are making people aware of the situation.

It has taken most of the crocs that have been relocated to the east, west road up north at least 3 months to return to their origin of capture. To date, the croc in Las Terrazas pool is the only croc that has showed up in the North as a problem due to relocation. The actual capture and relocation of a croc is considered a type of 'aversion therapy' as well as taking people out of immediate danger. It has been proven in 'wild' crocs that the stress of capture and relocation tends to make the animal weary of going near humans again. Most often relocated crocs are not a problem again. But when the local boys continue to feed them, then all bets are off.

We ONLY relocate crocs that are an immediate threat, for example: under a home.
We do NOT relocate every croc we capture. We are conducting a croc population survey and most trapped or caught crocs are tagged, sexed, measured and re-released at the point of capture.

ACES has been offered funds for fuel to re-locate the next problem croc even farther North. The question is 'how far is far enough,' and 'how does one decided where is the proper place for re-release?' No matter where you take them to someone will complain.

I have contacted the appropriate International authorities in regard to the extent of the situation here on the island. I will keep the public informed. http://www.americancrocodilesanctuary.org/safewithcrocs.htm

If you got the fuel, it seems that the (huge) expanse of pretty much unpopulated coastline between Ladyville and Sarteneja might be the logical place to bring the problematic ones?

Not to say they might not cross the open expanse of the bay back to Ambergris, but it'd take a concerted effort. And looking at a map, there's really nothing much over there save lagoons and mangrove.

They will either swim back to the island or become a problem in Ladyville and Sarteneja. Captivity or euthanization are the only true answers to problematic crocodiles over 6 feet in length. ACES is recommending captivity and asking for support. Euthanization of all the large problem crocs will effect the balance of the ecosystem. ACES is proposing captivity with a certain percentage of hatchlings, determined by ongoing population survey's, re-released each year to maintain a healthy environment and a self-sustainable population of American crocodiles. As long as people do not directly feed them, and we all work together to clean up all the indirect feeding, the crocs will grow up to be 'wild' animals and behave like any other wild animal - run away from humans rather than towards them. It will take time and everyone working together. Otherwise, people will indiscriminately start killing crocs, and hence why they are endangered.

Cherie, I think we don't understand each other. Although I support your goals, I do not support your current methods. I have read and re-read your statements very carefully and they don't add up in my opinion, I am sorry.
Jan

They will. It's a built in system with their genetics. Just as sea turtles home in on their birth place so do crocs; even if it means hundreds of miles of travel.

I may not be an "educated" biologist but I spent more than a few years working with Crocodile researchers in the Orange Walk district and I do have some understanding of them.

I think people need to start re-directing their anger at the people who caused this problem by allowing the wholesale destruction of the habitat of these "problem" crocs and making them accountable financially for the results.