Meeting Abstract
We generated ecological baseline data that will allow us to evaluate the potential compatibility between top predators and biodiversity conservation, and examine the effectiveness of top predators as surrogate species. It has been shown that species within the Crocodylia are top predators and promote species richness and/or are spatio-temporally associated with local or regional biodiversity richness. The American crocodile “”(Crocodylus acutus)“”could be used as a model to establish a predator-centered-conservation for marine coastal environments and achieve the desired conservation goals for these environments. To this end, we have begun quantitative tests to generate evidence suggesting American crocodile may function as structuring agent and biodiversity indicator for such environments. Our study is being carried out in a Chiriquí conservation site that includes Coiba National Park (a World Heritage Sites of UNESCO) and its continental buffer zone from the port of Remedios to Punta Mariato, Panama. We report here population genetics, population ecology, reproductive ecology, and trophic ecology preliminary data to support American crocodile as surrogate species for marine-coastal environments.
