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February 4, 2009
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.
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| FWC photo |
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.
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