Observations on nests of Crocodylus moreletii in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Abstract

Nesting ecology of Morelet’s crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii) has been documented since 1940. However,
only 2 nests constructed on floating vegetation have been recorded. Here, we presented additional information from a
mainland population of C. moreletii in the Ciénega de Cabezas wetland, San Luis Potosí, describing 2 nests constructed
on floating mats of cattails. The nests were constructed using Typha sp., close to the main channel. One nest was lost
due to flooding, and contained 32 eggs. Seven eggs had a mean 72.6 ± 2.63 mm length (range = 70.0 -75.0 mm), 45.0
± 2.30 mm width (range = 41.0-48.0 mm), and 140.7 ± 2.98 mm diameter (range = 136.0-145.0 mm). We suggest that
the use of floating vegetation for nesting by C.