Conservation status of crocodiles in Ghana and cte-d'ivoire, west Africa

The population and conservation status of crocodiles throughout West and Central Africa is poorly known and the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group's highest priority recommendations are country status surveys and examination of potential threats. This study presents survey data and a review of the conservation status of the Nile crocodile Crocodylus niloticus, slender-snouted crocodile Mecistops cataphractus and African dwarf crocodile Osteolaemus tetraspis at 67 sites throughout Ghana and Cte d'Ivoire. No crocodiles were sighted in 31.5% of surveys but, where encountered, densities averaged 0.90 crocodiles sighted km -1. The most frequently encountered crocodile was C. niloticus (94% of sightings) with population structure highly biased to individuals < 1 year of age (41.4%). Only 14 M. cataphractus were observed. Local informants report that crocodiles were more common 1020 years ago than at present. There is now little commercial harvest, which includes limited use in the bushmeat and traditional medicine markets, because of the crocodile's scarcity. Habitat encroachment and incidental bycatch in fishing devices appear to be the major threats. Actions needed to improve the conservation status of crocodile populations in both countries, and throughout the region, are discussed. © Fauna & Flora International 2009.