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Florida Biologists Use Magnets To Keep Nuisance Crocodiles Away

Date:
February 26, 2009
Source:
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Summary:
Magnets usually attract, but the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission want magnets to do just the opposite. The biologists are studying if magnets can keep state-endangered American crocodiles from returning to situations where they are not welcome, primarily in neighborhoods in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
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FULL STORY

Magnets usually attract, but the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) want magnets to do just the opposite.  FWC biologists are studying if magnets can keep state-endangered American crocodiles from returning to situations where they are not welcome, primarily in neighborhoods in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Crocodile-human interactions have increased as the crocodile population has recovered.  One technique to resolve these conflicts is translocation.  This involves capturing the crocodile and moving it to suitable crocodile habitat as far away as possible, in an attempt to keep it away from an area.  However, translocation is seldom effective.  FWC biologists have found that translocated crocodiles will travel an average of 10 miles per week to return to their capture site, in a practice called "homing."  Others never make it because they are hit and killed by vehicles as they cross roads.  Some may be killed by other crocodiles at the release site or during their journey back.

In an effort to break the "homing" cycle, FWC biologists have initiated a new study.  Crocodile agents have been instructed to attach magnets to both sides of the crocodile's head at the capture site.  It is hoped the magnets will disorient the crocodiles and disrupt their navigation, so they can't find their way back to the capture site.  The magnets are removed from the crocodile's head upon release.  Agents will also secure a colored tag to the crocodile's tail, so returning crocodiles can be identified later.     

"Scientists in Mexico have reported success in using magnets to break the homing cycle," said Lindsey Hord, FWC crocodile response coordinator.  "The results of the study are promising.  If it proves successful here, we could gain an effective technique to resolve crocodile-human conflicts." 

If a nuisance crocodile continues to return to the capture site, or its behavior presents an unacceptable risk to people, under certain circumstances, it could be removed from the wild and placed into captivity.

You should never approach a crocodile, and if you see one that concerns you, call the FWC's Statewide Nuisance Alligator Hotline at 866-FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286) to report the animal.


Story Source:

Materials provided by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Florida Biologists Use Magnets To Keep Nuisance Crocodiles Away." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 February 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090224215523.htm>.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2009, February 26). Florida Biologists Use Magnets To Keep Nuisance Crocodiles Away. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090224215523.htm
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Florida Biologists Use Magnets To Keep Nuisance Crocodiles Away." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090224215523.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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