External injuries of Morelet’s crocodile Crocodylus moreletii in Campeche, Mexico

Diseases of Aquatic Organisms

Manuel Weber¹  Sergio E. Padilla¹ 

关键词: Individual interactions;    Free-ranging crocodiles;    Lesions;    Paratrichosoma;   

DOI  :  10.3354/dao03015

学科分类：生物科学（综合）

来源: Inter-Research

【 摘 要 】

ABSTRACT: Analysis of external injuries in captive and free-ranging Morelet’s crocodiles Crocodylus moreletii was performed in the northern wetlands of Campeche, Mexico. From March to September of 2007, a total of 52 free-ranging and 51 captive Morelet’s crocodiles were studied. Captive crocodiles presented significantly more injuries. Sixteen free-ranging crocodiles presented some type of lesion, mostly superficial abrasions. Nineteen captive crocodiles presented lesions, mostly incisions from agonistic interactions. Overall, the injuries with highest prevalence were the incisions. The tail was the most frequently injured body region. Injuries were more common in adults than in other size classes. Conversely, the presence of lesions caused by the parasite Paratrichosoma spp. was greater in crocodiles captured in the coastal channels (mangrove habitat). The information presented here is important to understand some of the effects of individual interactions and to foresee and manage the consequences of conservation and management activities of crocodile populations.

【 授权许可】

Unknown