Tárcoles River crocodile habitats face critical fragmentation

A study conducted by the School of Geographical Sciences at the Universidad Nacional (UNA) has revealed that crocodile habitats in the Tárcoles River are under significant pressure due to fragmentation and limited availability of optimal spaces.

The research, led by Amanda Bogantes Barrelier, analyzed a 5.48 km² area of the lower river from the Route 34 bridge to the mouth. The findings indicate that 86.41% of the analyzed territory offers only medium or low suitability for the species. Only 12.52% of the area was classified as having high suitability, while a mere 0.25% was deemed very high.

While the study did not measure mortality rates or specific population counts, it identified a “potential habitat vulnerability.” The researcher noted a critical shortage of suitable sites for nesting and juvenile nurseries. These ideal areas consist of small, disconnected patches of riparian vegetation that are increasingly threatened by human activities, including agriculture, human settlements, infrastructure development, and mining. Many of these high-suitability zones overlap with the 50-meter protection zones established by the Forestry Law.