Human Dimensions Study

Perceptions and tolerance of American crocodiles and their management by South Florida residents

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is a federally and state protected species classified as Threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the State of Florida, however its population has increased since gaining legal protection in 1975. The number of reported human-crocodile conflicts has also increased, similar to known conflicts surrounding other large (typically terrestrial) predators recovering from historic population declines. Although biology and ecology are the foundation of effective wildlife management strategies, human dimensions need to be considered to generate realistic and attainable conservation objectives.

In 2021, we surveyed South Florida residents to better understand how they perceive American crocodiles and their management. The strongest consensus was around euthanizing a crocodile (highly unacceptable) with the management action of leaving the crocodile alone and monitoring the situation showing the least amount of consensus and shifting from slightly acceptable to slightly unacceptable the closer a hypothetical crocodile was in proximity to a resident's private property. Respondents who were older, female, and those with children at home were less likely to prefer an increase in the crocodile population. Respondents who perceived more benefits from crocodiles and less risk from them tended to be relatively knowledgeable about the species, had higher trust in the FWC and were more likely to prefer a larger crocodile population. The study reveals opportunities for targeted education and outreach efforts with the potential to affect tolerance of a large reptilian carnivore in a region experiencing rapid human development. 

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