Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge - History

History

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge was supposed to be a residential development in the area; however, in the boating access area, dredge-spoil piled up, and as a result of the canal, it became a very important nesting area for the remaining 1400 threatened American crocodiles along with other fauna. In 1975, the American crocodiles had numbered only around 200 in population; however, as of March 20, 2007, the federal government downlisted the American crocodile from endangered to threatened, though the capturing and hunting of the crocodile is still forbidden. The American crocodiles, once ranging in great numbers, had been hunted for exporting its hide and skin. The government labeled the decreased population due to this hunting and also, to loss of habitat in the area. Among the many endangered species, the tropical hardwood hammock is being protected at the refuge (see Hardwood hammock renewal below). The Key Largo Woodrat, Key Largo Cotton Mouse, Schaus Swallowtail butterfly, Stock Island Treesnail and the Eastern Indigo Snake are also diminishing species who need the hammocks to provide the essential necessities for them. Due to certain types of development in the area, these forests' size and population of hammocks depleted, causing the population of those animals who reside in the habitat to also decline in population. Along with refuge manager Steven Klett, Project Leader Phil Frank is currently overseeing several projects and activities which have been designed to help restore the fauna and vegetation to the area. The refuge has been closed to the public because female crocodiles who give birth will leave the nest with even just one disturbance to her young or area.