New Crocodile Hatchlings at Puerto Vallarta's Environmentally Protected Area Isabel Cardenas / Jaime Torres - Fideicomiso Estero el Salado
July 9, 2014

The most predatory of estuaries and indicator of the stability of the food chain is the river crocodile.

At Estero el Salado, we have a unit of environmental management where we carry out monitoring of the population of crocodiles including habits of resting, reproduction and breeding location.

Last April, we received two female crocodiles who returned to the same place to lay their eggs.

The nests are near urban areas, so it is necessary that they are protected from predators such as cats and dogs.

To learn about the environmental conditions of the embryos in eggs, we developed and installed temperature and humidity sensors inside the nest, monitored by the external meteorological station.

The eggs were then placed in the incubation area of the Estero.

Once they are born, for their protection, they are placed inside the crocodile enclosure of the Estero, avoiding the possibility of them becoming easy prey of birds and raccoons.

When the crocodiles reach adequate maturity, they are released into their natural habitat, the Estero el Salado.

Translated and edited by Team Angels

This content was submitted by a member of the community. We'd like to hear from you, too! To share stories, photos, video or events, please send them here.

  Learn about El Salado Estuary State Park