American crocodiles range from
southern Florida to Peru, but these impressive, aquatic reptiles,
growing to a length of five meters, are not considered common.
Crocodiles have struggled to survive, against the threats
of hunting and wetland destruction. The American crocodile’s
largest population in the world is here, a patchwork of mangrove
swamp, estuaries, palm savannahs, and tropical hardwood forest
in eastern Cuba. Their high population density, with more
than 300 nests concentrated on six small beaches, makes this
population ideal for a study of American crocodile natural
ecology and behavior.
From
the Journal
May
31, 2005
Tyler, Arsen, Yamil, Beatriz, Jim, and Tina also joined into
the swimming. The water was as warm as bathwater, which was
still refreshing, even though it was so warm. Once we were
in the water, Roberto told us that there were two ‘friendly’
crocodiles that swim in the same area we were swimming in.
Of course this made everyone uneasy.
Read more of the EB3 journal>>
Click here for classroom activities and resources, Q &
A, and team journals. This supplemental site is developed
and hosted by Suzanne Smith, Cameron Middle School, Framingham,
MA.
