CROCLIST: USFWS to Reclassify Crocodylus acutus

[Steve Grenard]

U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service To Reclassify American Crocodile From
Endangered To Threatened

March 24, 2007 2:42 p.m. EST


George McGinn - All Headline News Staff Reporter
Vero Beach, FL (AHN) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday proposed
to remove the American Crocodile from endangered to threatened status. The
proposal also calls for a five-year review.

The American crocodile, which is only found in Florida, was almost extinct
when it was listed in 1975 as endangered. The FWS said that since then, the
crocodile's population has more than doubled, and its distribution has
expanded.

Acquisition of land to provide protection of many important nesting areas
has helped.

In 1980, The Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Reserve, a 5000-acre habitat
was purchased, and also in 1980, the Everglades National Park established a
crocodile sanctuary in northeastern Florida Bay. The sanctuary is made up of
both publicly and privately owned properties that are managed for
conservation purposes to provide potential crocodile habitat.

In the Federal Register published Thursday, it states, "We have determined
that the American crocodile in its range in Florida meets the criteria of a
distinct population segment (DPS) as stated in our policy of Feb. 17, 1996."

If the proposed change in status is approved, the American crocodile in
Florida will continue to be Federally protected as a threatened species.

"It's just one step closer to recovery, but it still has many, many
threats," Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Tom MacKenzie told the
Associated Press. "It's still protected with the full force of federal law."

The Federal Register states that in 1976, it was estimated that there was
about 300 crocodiles in Florida, with about 10 to 20 breeding females.
Today, the FWS estimates there are about 1,000 crocodiles, not including
hatchlings, and about 50 nests.

Any American crocodile found outside the Florida DPS will still retain its
endangered status, according to the FWS final rule issued Dec. 18, 1979. In
addition, the crocodile will still be listed as endangered, according to the
Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

The FWS is accepting written comments and materials from the public, which
must be received by May 23. Public hearing request must be received by May
9.

Anyone wanting more information or wishing to submit a public comment may
call Cindy Schulz, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 1339 20th Street, Vero
Beach, FL, 32960. Schulz may also be contacted by phone at 772-562-4288 or
by e-mail at cindy-schulz at fws.gov.