https://ticotimes.net/2024/10/...odile-hunting-season



Costa Rica President Considers Controversial Crocodile Hunting Season

Tico Times
By
Tico Times

October 15, 2024

Crocodile Hunting in Costa Rica


The President of Costa Rica, Rodrigo Chaves, announced that he has discussed and analyzed the possibility of a crocodile hunting season with his team. Reports of attacks on people and pets have surfaced on social networks, with viral photos and videos showing these animals on various national beaches. In response, many have suggested that hunting crocodiles should be allowed.

However, studies by the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and the National University (UNA) reveal that Costa Rica does not have an overpopulation of crocodiles, though the species has shown signs of recovery. National legislation and international treaties, to which Costa Rica is a signatory, do not permit the hunting of wild species. Despite this, the government’s discussions have raised concerns.

Experts warn that a hunting season would likely have unintended environmental consequences, potentially worsening the very issues it aims to address. “They depend on space, shelter, and food. If there is enough food, they reproduce; if not, they turn on each other. For example, females sometimes inhibit reproduction when resources are scarce,” explained Laura Porras, a biologist at the National University.

The province of Guanacaste would be particularly affected, as it is home to a large number of crocodiles that help maintain soil moisture. Without them, droughts could intensify. Another key role crocodiles play is controlling other species to prevent overpopulation.


Porras also noted that fewer crocodiles in rivers and lagoons would disrupt the balance of nutrients and minerals in both water and soil. She emphasized that the idea of hunting as a solution to the supposed overpopulation, or as a way to generate economic benefits through the sale of crocodile meat and skin, is unrealistic, particularly since Costa Rican law prohibits the sale of crocodile by-products.

Porras further stressed that Costa Rica should not follow practices used in other countries, such as the United States, where reptile populations are much larger. “When people suggest we adopt U.S. practices, I say, sure—except that Louisiana alone has 300,000 alligators. In Costa Rica, if we have 5,000 nationwide, that’s a lot,” she added.

quote:

Experts warn that a hunting season would likely have unintended environmental consequences, potentially worsening the very issues it aims to address. “They depend on space, shelter, and food. If there is enough food, they reproduce; if not, they turn on each other. For example, females sometimes inhibit reproduction when resources are scarce,” explained Laura Porras, a biologist at the National University.

The province of Guanacaste would be particularly affected, as it is home to a large number of crocodiles that help maintain soil moisture. Without them, droughts could intensify. Another key role crocodiles play is controlling other species to prevent overpopulation.


Porras also noted that fewer crocodiles in rivers and lagoons would disrupt the balance of nutrients and minerals in both water and soil.

What BS

Yep, that’s why Africa is so dry…people hunt crocs…otherwise Sahara would still be green…wow

https://ticotimes.net/2024/12/...ocodile-hunting-bill

Costa Rica Proposes Controlled Crocodile Hunting Bill

Tico Times
By
Tico Times
December 14, 2024

Lindsay Fendt/The Tico Times

Congressman Leslye Bojorges of Costa Rica’s PUSC political party presented a bill to allow the controlled hunting of crocodiles and caimans in Costa Rica. Bojorges seeks a change to the Wildlife Conservation Law, which would require Costa Rica’s National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) to develop and implement a specific management plan.


The project aims to control and monitor both species nationwide. Additionally, it proposes creating an operational methodology that includes an annually updated crocodile population study, along with programs and protocols for immediate management, relocation, capture, monitoring, controlled hunting, and the placement of warning signs in high-risk zones, particularly in tourist areas or regions with frequent human-crocodile interactions.

According to the project’s statement of purpose, growing public safety concerns stem from an increase in crocodile sightings, especially in areas like the Gran Humedal Tempisque, which has the highest density of crocodiles in Costa Rica, with an estimated 2,315 individuals.

Such an approach, Bojorges claims, would provide “an effective method” to manage crocodile populations and “allow the capture of individuals that pose a risk to communities, while protecting crocodiles in areas where their presence is less problematic.” “The presence of crocodiles and caimans in Costa Rica’s coastal areas creates a series of issues affecting local communities and tourism. These problems also have economic impacts, as crocodiles pose a real risk to the safety of residents and visitors,” said the congressman.


In August, a study by SINAC, in collaboration with specialists from the National University (UNA) and other professionals, concluded that Costa Rica does not have an overpopulation of these reptiles. The Association of Veterinarians of Costa Rica recently issued a statement emphasizing that crocodile sightings are linked to their reproductive season, occurring from September to December, rather than overpopulation. They also highlighted crocodiles’ role in maintaining ecological balance by biologically controlling other species and regulating their own populations, which supports ecosystem health.

“Hunting in Costa Rica is prohibited by law, and there is an extreme environmentalist lobby that will create resistance. However, the truth is that a crocodile management plan is needed. While technicians report no overpopulation, I have witnessed public concern, and we must assess whether there is a real problem,” Bojorges said.


Crocodile and caiman hunting has been banned in Costa Rica since the early 1990s, after reports of overexploitation in previous decades led to their classification as endangered species.