Study reveals first estimate of alligator density of the species Paleosuchus palpebrosus

"Density and Biomass Estimates by Removal for an Amazonian Crocodilian, Paleosuchus palpebrosus". - PLOS ONE.
 
P. palpebrosus is a species of alligator known to occur in flooded forests in central Amazonia. This study estimated the density and biomass for the complete capture of all individuals of this species in an area of 5.6 square kilometers, near the Santo Antônio hydroelectric plant, on the Madeira River in Rondônia.
 
The density of 28.4 individuals / km2 is one of the highest reported for any crocodilian group and the estimated biomass of 63.15 kg / km2 is greater than most of the other carnivorous mammals in the rainforest. P. palpebrosus must be one of the most abundant crocodilians the world.
The work is authored by researchers Zilca Campos (Embrapa Pantanal) and William E. Magnusson (National Institute for Amazon Research).
 

Link to PLOS: Density and Biomass Estimates by Removal for an Amazonian Crocodilian, Paleosuchus palpebrosus.

 

 

Text: Thaiane Rodrigues de Sousa.