Population status of the Orinoco crocodile (Crocodylus intermedius) in theCojedes river system, Venezuela

The Orinoco crocodile is one of the most critically endangered crocodilians . The most important Orinoco crocodile population known is found in the Coj edes River System (CRS), Venezuela, an area currently under heavy anthropog enic pressure. Based on spotlight surveys, a minimum population of 547 non- hatchling crocodiles was estimated for the CRS. Middle sections of the CRS, particularly near the downstream-end of Cano de Agua, showed the highest p opulation indices (PI)(7.3 ind/km). Intermediate PI were observed in Cojede s Norte and Cano de Agua Norte (2.2 and 4.4 ind/km, respectively) river sec tions relatively close to important human settlements and with comparativel y higher levels of habitat alteration and contamination. The lowest PIs (< 1.0 ind/km) were observed in navigable river reaches and far from main urba n centers. Crocodile populations in northern sections of the CRS were domin ated by juveniles, whereas sub-adults and adults composed an important frac tion of the population in river reaches with relatively high crocodile dens ities. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.