The Calusa Herpetological Society Of Southwest Florida

Thursday, March 5, 2015 - 7:00 pm

American Crocodiles Face New Challenges in Jamaica:  Current Status of Crocodylus acutus in Jamaica

The American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, is the most widespread crocodilian in the New World.  It is found in south Florida, much of the Caribbean, all of Central America, and isolated pockets in the South American countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Equador, and Peru.  While surveys have been completed throughout much of its range, the population in Jamaica has never been fully assessed until now.  New challenges associated with economic development threaten the future of Jamaica’s largest reptile as well as other critically endangered species there.

Curt Harbsmeier is an attorney in central Florida with a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation.  He has worked with captive crocodilians and other herps for over 30 years.  He is an Executive Board Member of Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo and is involved in numerous conservation organizations and activities.  Curt is also currently the Vice Chairman, Legal Affairs, Steering Committee, of the IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group.

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Herp of the Month (March 2015)

The herp of the month is the Florida pine snake (Pituophis melanoleucus mugitus), a native Florida species. There will be a short 5 minute presentation on this species and a live example.

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After Meeting Dinner

Do you want to talk herps for another hour or two after the meeting? Don't forget to come out to Stevie Tomatoes (a sports bar and grill) on Daniels Blvd and I-75 after the meeting, for food and plenty of informal herp talk with the speaker and other meeting attendees.