Estimating demographics of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti) in the panhandle region of the Okavango Delta, Botswana

A total of 2570 Nile crocodiles (Crocodylus niloticus) were estimated to inhabit the panhandle region of the Okavango Delta, Botswana, with 649.2 adults including 364 females. The study used mark-recapture and spotlight surveys over four years, revealing size-dependent increases in survival and wariness among juveniles. Young juveniles comprised 59.3% of captures and 75% of recaptures, indicating high vulnerability to commercial harvest. Researchers recommend halting the harvest of breeding animals until population recovery is established.

Bourquin, S. L., & Leslie, A. J. (2011). Estimating demographics of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus Laurenti) in the panhandle region of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. African Journal of Ecology, 50(1), 1–8. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2028.2011.01285.x