American crocodiles, always rare in
Florida, were further impacted by human population growth and
development of the coastal areas where they live. In 1975, the
American crocodile was federally listed as endangered. At that
time, annual nesting had fallen to 10 to 20 nests, and it was
estimated that there were less than 300 crocodiles in Florida.
American crocodiles are a species in recovery.
Today, nesting has increased to more than 100 annually, and it is
estimated that there are between 1,500 and 2,000 crocodiles in the
state, not including hatchlings. The crocodile is still state
listed as endangered, but its federal listed has been recently
downgraded to threatened, due to the progress of the crocodile's
recovery.
With increasing numbers of crocodiles in areas
where people also live, Florida is experiencing a growing number of
complaints about nuisance crocodiles.
US Fish & Wildlife Service - Species Profile
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