POPULATION ASPECTS OF CROCODYLUS ACUTUS (REPTILIA: CROCODYLIDAE) IN THE ESTUARY EL SALADO, PUERTO VALLARTA JALISCO, MEXICO

Abstract

A population of C. acutus was studied in the Natural Protected Area “Estero el Salado” in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, México, among november of 2015 and september of 2016. The population abundance was evaluated and the age structure, mortality rate and growth rate were analized. Five samplings were performed in November, December, March, April and September, in order to carry on the species monitoring, finding an abundance of 15.74 ind/km SD ± 6.65, and the neonates population’s mortality rate, which showed constant values, increasing the neonates survivorship. As well the age structure was analized and it was consisted of 62.5% neonates, 28.5 juveniles and 9% sub-adults, without presence of adults, subsequently catches of the organisms were made in order to measure the total lenght of crocodiles, and thereby obtain the growth rate, wich was between 0.12 y 0.17 cm/day. This is the first study that analized the mortality rate of C. acutus neonates in a mangrove swamp, therefore this information could be used to perform better conservation strategies.