“The Belize Nationwide Morelet’s Crocodile Survey” in Corozal Bay

Morelet’s crocodile has long been threatened by habitat destruction and illegal hunting. In the early-mid 1900s crocodiles in Belize were highly poached/ hunted as there was a high demand for their skins in the production of high quality leather for wallets, coats and shoes.

Corozal Bay Wildlife Sanctuary (CBWS) is home to the Morelet’s crocodile as it provides suitable habitats and water conditions to this stunning reptiles. In an effort to understand the Morelet’s population and distribution in CBWS for the better management of this species, the Sarteneja Alliance for Conservation and Development (SACD) joined the Belize Nationwide Morelet’s Crocodile Survey led by the Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC).

During this week (5th-11th March 2017) the SACD’s staff and community researchers ventured in the first habitat evaluation, nocturnal eyeshine, and capture survey. The team obtained a hands on experience capturing and tagging three Morelet’s crocodiles within Four Miles Lagoon and Cayo Falso with the assistance of the CRC’s researchers.