Status of the estuarine crocodile (crocodylis porosus scheider 1801) in Vanuatu.

Abstract

The findings show conclusively that there are very few crocodiles remaining on the island, perhaps only two or three. No young ones have been seen for several years. It thus appears that breeding has ceased and if this is the case then the crocodile will become extinct in Vanuatu. Previously high numbers of crocodiles appear to have been decimated by a severe cyclone in 1972. Some survivors of this event were subsequently shot, and coupled with natural mortality perhaps increased by later cyclones, this sequence of events appears to have brought the crocodiles down to a nonviable population size. The available habitat for the crocodiles appears to be extensive and in good condition.