Rangers Learn About Crocodiles

The Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve has collaborated with the Crocodile Research Coalition of Placencia to give conservation officers at the three ranger bases information on the critical American crocodile species thriving in the Atoll. Rangers from the Mauger Caye Conservation Outpost, the Calabash Caye Headquarters and the Caye Bokel participated in the refresher on advanced crocodile monitoring as a part of TASA’s Citizen Science program. The program also supports tourism as visitors can join nocturnal trips and crocodile scouting sessions while being educated on this marine species and it environment. TASA’s first Crocodile Training for Eyeshine surveys started back in August and was facilitated by Dr. Marissa Tellez of the Crocodile Research Coalition. The Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve is considered the source population of the species with the majority being found in select cayes within the range. In this latest excursion, rangers took a two-hour tour around Calabash Caye and sighted as many as seven crocodiles.