Geomatics in Conservation: Habitat Status and Population Ecology of Crocodiles and Alligators of the Gulf of Montijo Wetland, Panama

To evaluate the impacts of the expansion of human development on American crocodile and spectacled caiman in the Wetlands of the Gulf of Montijo, Veragua Province, Panama, we conducted a geomatics assessment of the main watersheds that drain into the Gulf of Montijo, in the Eastern Tropical Pacific of Panama. We also performed a rapid inventory of the two species that inhabit the area. To evaluate habitat changes we used ArcMap 10.6 and 1992, 2000 and 2012 Land Covers developed by the Environment Ministry of Panama. To calculate the potential habitat area of the American crocodile and the spectacled caiman, we used the area limited by a 400-meter-high contour line and the coastline of the Gulf of Montijo. Crocodile and caiman populations assessment was done in dry season (January to March) of 2018. In 23 nights we covered 74.43 Km, counted 215 animals, and captured and released 36 individuals. Sex ratio for both species was 2:6 females/males. The encounter rate for American crocodile was 0.21 ind/Km (n = 16; distance covered = 74.43 Km; visited sites = 12) and for spectacled caiman was 0.27 ind/Km (n = 20; distance covered = 74.43 Mm; visited sites = 12). Suitability of habitat area for crocodiles and caimans increased on 3,8 % between 1992 and 2012 due to the switch between Forest area and agriculture areas. The considerable increase in non-native forest plantations and invasive species has been shown, in the field, to be a relevant cause of the fragmentation of these habitats.