Crocodilians

This chapter provides an overview of how a variety of techniques for the monitoring, capturing, and handling of crocodilians are used, for what purposes, and in what contexts. Surveying crocodilian populations is undertaken for monitoring trends in population over time, with spotlight count surveys as being the most commonly used method. Aerial count surveys, day count, and nest count methods are also employed, among others. And as crocodiles are large, dangerous animals, their capture depends on the objective (live or dead), situation, habitat, species, size (hatchling to adult), tradition, level of wariness, season, experience and skill of the people involved, and how urgently a crocodilian needs to be captured. The particular traps, nets, baits, and other devices involved are elaborated further in this chapter. Following the techniques for capture, handling, and tagging methods are likewise discussed in depth.