Molecular Analysis Confirming the Introduction of Nile Crocodiles, Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti 1768 (Crocodylidae), in Southern Florida, with an Assessment of Potential for Establishment, Spread, and Impacts.

Authors

Michael R. Rochford, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida,
Kenneth L. Krysko, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida
Frank J. Mazzotti, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Matthew W. Shirley, Department of Wildlife Ecology & Conservation, University of Florida
Mark W. Parry, Everglades National Park
Joseph A. Wasilewski, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Jeffrey S. Beauchamp, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Christpher R. Gillette, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Edward F. Metzger III, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Michiko A. Squires, Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center, University of Florida
Louis A. Somma, Florida Museum of Natural History, University of FloridaFollow

Date of this Version

4-2016

Citation

Rochford, M. R., K. L. Krysko, F. J. Mazzotti, M. H. Shirley, M. W. Parry, J. A. Wasilewski, J. S. Beauchamp, C. R. Gillette, E. F. Metzger III, M. A. Squires, and L. A. Somma. 2016. Molecular analysis confirming the introduction of Nile Crocodiles, Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti 1768 (Crocodylidae), in southern Florida, with an assessment of potential for establishment, spread, and impacts. Herpetological Conservation and Biology 11(1):80-89.

Comments

Copyright © 2016. Michael R. Rochford

Abstract

The state of Florida, USA, has more introduced herpetofauna than any other governmental region on Earth. Four species of nonnative crocodilians have been introduced to Florida (all since 1960), one of which is established. Between 2000–2014 we field-collected three nonnative crocodilians in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and one in Hendry County, Florida. We used DNA barcoding and molecular phylogenetics to determine species identification and native range origin. Also, we described diet, movement, and growth for one crocodile. Our molecular analyses illustrated that two of the crocodiles we collected are most closely related to Nile Crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) from South Africa, suggesting this region as a source population. We, thus, documented the first known introduction of C. niloticus in Florida. Two, and possibly three of the introduced crocodiles shared the same haplotype, suggesting they are likely from the same introduction pathway or source. One animal was captured, measured, marked, and released, then recaptured 2 y later allowing us to calculate growth rate (40.5 cm/y) and movement. The most likely route of travel by waterway (i.e., canal) illustrates that this animal traveled at least 29 km from its original capture site. One crocodile escaped from a facility in Hendry County, Florida, and survived in 1,012 ha of semi-wild habitat for three to four years, confirming that this species can survive in southern Florida.