The breeding season generally begins in May and although females normally dig hole-nests in the wild, they are capable of building mound-nests under certain conditions; the average clutch size is 30 - 40 eggs (6). In the wild, individuals can interbreed with the American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) whose breeding season overlaps with that of the Cuban crocodile (6). This hybridisation appears to be natural but may pose a threat to the genetic purity of this species if population numbers fall. The changing nesting strategies may reflect evidence of hybridisation (5). Cuban crocodiles have broad back teeth that are adapted to crushing turtle shells, which enables these crocodiles to get to their main source of food (6). Fish and mammals are also consumed and historically this species appears to have preyed on the, now extinct, giant sloth (6). Possessing strong hind legs, this crocodilian is particularly agile on land, able to move quickly and leap into the air (6).

The Cuban crocodile is one of the most threatened New World crocodilians (5) (a group that includes alligators, caimans and the gharial). It is medium sized with a short, broad head and high bony ridges behind each eye; in large adults there is a medial ridge running between the eyes towards the snout (6). Toes are short and lack webbing, indicative of a species that spends more time on land compared with most other crocodilian species (2). Both juveniles and adults have a sprinkled black and yellow pattern on their back and are sometimes known as 'pearly' crocodiles for this reason (6).

This species is no longer found in most of its historic range and is currently restricted to two relatively small areas in Cuba. Its principal distribution is in the Zapata Swamp, where it occupies an area of 360 km². In the Lanier Swamp on the Isle of Youth its present distribution is 35 km².

The Cuban Crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer) has the smallest range of any crocodile. It can be found only in Cuba in the Zapata Swamp in the northwest, and in the Lanier Swamp on Isla de Juventud.(Britton 1995; Alderton 1991).

Biogeographic Regions: neotropical (Native )

Continent: Caribbean
Distribution: Cuba (Zapata Swamp in the northwest, and possibly Lanier Swamp on Isla de Juventud)  
Type locality: Unknown; attributed to Cuba by Duméril and Bibron (1836: 101).

Historic Range:
Cuba

The Cuban crocodile has the smallest known natural distribution of any living crocodilian and is today found primarily in 2 areas of Cuba; the Zapata Swamp in the northwest of the country and Lanier Swamp on the Isla de Juventud (5).

Adult Cuban Crocodiles generally do not exceed 3.5 meters (10.5 feet) in length, with males being larger than females. 5 meter (15 foot) individuals have been found in the past, but are rare. The Cuban Crocodile has a short, broad head with a bony ridge located behind the eyes. Large scales from the dorsal shield extend onto the back of the neck. Scales on the legs are larger than usual and heavily keeled on the two rear legs. Coloration is darker on the top portion of the body, consisting of a pattern of black and yellow speckles. The belly of the Cuban Crocodile is pale with no distinctive markings. The tail is marked with black blotches and/or bands. Cuban Crocodiles have a total of 66-68 large teeth, especially adapted for crushing turtle shells. Feet with reduced webbing aid the Cuban Crocodile on land, enabling them to move with increased agility and power. A strong tail aids the Cuban Crocodile in both jumping and swimming. (Britton 1995; Alderton 1991; CITES 2000).

Habitat and Ecology

Systems

• Terrestrial
• Freshwater

Cuban Crocodiles prefer fresh water marshes or swamps similar to those of the Everglades. They rarely swim in saltwater. (Britton 1995).

Aquatic Biomes: lakes and ponds; rivers and streams

Inhabits freshwater swamps (6).

Juveniles of the species tend to feed on arthropods and small fish. Adult Cuban Crocodiles eat mainly fish,turtles and small mammals. Fossil records suggest that they once fed on now-extinct giant ground sloths, which may have led to the evolution of their blunt rear teeth, now used for crushing turtle shells. (Alderton 1991; Britton 1995).

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 12.8 years.

Average lifespan

Status: captivity: 18.3 years.

Maximum longevity: 38.2 years (captivity)

Little is known regarding the nesting behavior of the Cuban Crocodile. Depending upon conditions (such as the availability of nesting materials) Cuban Crocodiles either dig hole nests or construct hole nests. Breeding season generally begins in May and lasts for three to four months. The amount of eggs produced depends upon the size and age of the mother. 30-40 eggs are typically produced, although as many as 60 are possible. A large number of eggs are produced to compensate for the fact that as many as 99% of hatchlings do not survive. This is due to a variety of factors, primarily predation, on both eggs and hatchling crocodiles by various mammals, reptiles,and birds. Cannibalism of young by more mature Cuban Crocodiles has also been reported. The eggs are approximately 5 cm (2 inches)-7.6 cm (3 inches) in length and weigh an average of 112 gms (0.25 lbs). The eggs typically hatch 58-70 days after they are laid. Sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest. Males occur only when internal nest temperatures are between 30-32 degrees Celcius, while females are produced in nests that are above or below these temperatures. Cuban Crocodiles often interbreed with American Crocodiles and Siamese Crocodiles (in captivity). (Benyas 1992; Alderton 1991; Britton 1995; Encyclopedia Britannica 1992; Birchard and Marcellini 1996).

Year Assessed

Assessor/s

Reviewer/s

Contributor/s

The Cuban Crocodiles main threat is humans, who have hunted the crocodile extensively and have largely encroached upon their habitats. They are also threatened by competition for food and land with Caiman in the Lanier Swamps. Today, 3000-6000 Cuban Crocodiles are estimated in the wild. Because much information on the ecology and natural history of the Cuban Crocodile is still unknown, much work needs to be done to increase and protect the remaining wild population. Cuban Crocodiles are well represented in captivity in the U.S., and are continually being studied and bred in an effort to avoid their extinction. (Britton 1995; Alderton 1991).

CITES: appendix i

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: critically endangered

Current Listing Status Summary

Status: Endangered
Date Listed: 06/02/1970
Lead Region: Foreign (Region 10) 
Where Listed:


Population detail:

Population location: entire
Listing status: E

For most current information and documents related to the conservation status and management of Crocodylus rhombifer , see its USFWS Species Profile

Classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List (1), and listed on Appendix I of CITES (4).

Population

Major Threats

The Cuban crocodile is highly vulnerable due to the restricted nature of its distribution (5). Habitat destruction continues to encroach on the marshes where this species is found and competition with introduced and hybrid species poses further threats to survival (5).

Conservation Actions

Recent reports indicated that population numbers of the Cuban crocodile are showing signs of recovery; the population in the Zapata swamp is estimated at between 3,000 - 6,000 individuals (6). Active measures are underway to ensure this population remains well protected but a further important conservation priority is the establishment of an alternative wild population (5). In the 1950s to 60s, thousands of Cuban crocodiles were taken into captivity to be farmed for their skins and the population of captive animals is today substantial, one farm has recently been given CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) approval to trade internationally (6).

unknown

Skin is used for purses, boots, wallets, briefcases and curios. Meat is sold as a delicacy. (Ross 1989).