Croc Corner: CRC to Welcome International Conservation Experts in Belize

By DR. MARISA TELLEZ Co-founder and Executive Director Crocodile Research Coalition marisa.tellez@crcbelize.org

Seventy crocodilian experts from around the world meet in Argentina at a Steering Committee session in May. CRC representatives were in attendance and will be hosting fellow croc conservationists in Belize next year.

The Crocodile Research Coalition (CRC) traveled to Santa Fe, Argentina for the 25 th Working Meeting of the International Union for Conservation of Nature/ Species Survival Commission - Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG). The CSG consists of 600 experts from around the world and “is a worldwide network of biologists, wildlife managers, government officials, independent researchers, non-governmental organization (NGO) representatives, farmers, traders, tanners, fashion leaders, and private companies actively involved in the conservation of the world's 24 living species of alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharial in the wild. As one of more than 100 species specialist groups operating under the auspices of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the world’s largest consortium of conservation organizations

and agencies, the CSG works closely with the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and other international intergovernmental bodies to promote crocodilian conservation and legal trade that does not threaten the survival of these important reptiles. The CSG network of experts advises governments and wildlife management agencies, evaluates the conservation needs of crocodilian populations, initiates research projects, conducts surveys of wild populations, provides technical information and training, initiates conservation programs, etc.”

CRC Research Coordinator Miriam Boucher presented her acoustic and behavior research of the American crocodile in Belize at the meeting, and CRC Research Associates Helen Sung and Sierra McLinn presented their work on hybridization between the Morelet’s and American crocodiles in Belize and the discovery of the crocodilian parasite life cycle, Sebekia mississippiensis. (This is the only TRUE parasite of crocodilians as it dissolves the lung tissue of their host, and Sierra discovered female parasites are the TRUE parasite. Males mate and then leave the host!) As at previous CSG meetings, opportunties open for networking and fostering new collaborations amongst expert scientists and conservationists, as well as providing the opportunity for young scientists to take a large jump in their career.

As such, the CRC is proud to announce the hosting of a CSG Regional Meeting in June 2019 based at The Reserve. This meeting will bring together about 200 regional and international experts, and the CRC looks forward to providing our University of Belize and Next Gen Croc students a chance to meet some of the world’s conservation and crocodilian experts, as well as motivation to young Belizean scientists to further their career in conservation and science.

Additionally, the CRC would like to showcase the beauty and culture of Belize to our international colleagues, particularly the Placencia Peninsula. Many colleagues will spend time in Placencia before or after the meeting. If your business is interested in promoting your services at the event, please contact CRC Program Coordinator Grecia Mendez at program.coordinator@crcbelize.org. And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for updates and more information on the wonderful world of crocs!▪

Dr. Marisa Tellez, the Executive Director and Founder of the CRC, has been a member of the CSG since 2013 and is the Vice-Regional Chair of Latin America, with a specific focus in the Central America and Caribbean region. She has been working diligently the last couple of years to foster a network and revive crocodilian conservation, research, and management of crocodilians and their habitat within the region.