title: External injuries of Morelet's crocodile Crocodylus moreletii in Campeche, Mexico.
abstract: Analysis of external injuries in captive and free-ranging Morelet's crocodiles Crocodylus moreletii was performed in the northern wetlands of Campeche, Mexico. From March to September of 2007, a total of 52 free-ranging and 51 captive Morelet's crocodiles were studied. Captive crocodiles presented significantly more injuries. Sixteen free-ranging crocodiles presented some type of lesion, mostly superficial abrasions. Nineteen captive crocodiles presented lesions, mostly incisions from agonistic interactions. Overall, the injuries with highest prevalence were the incisions. The tail was the most frequently injured body region. Injuries were more common in adults than in other size classes. Conversely, the presence of lesions caused by the parasite Paratrichosoma spp. was greater in crocodiles captured in the coastal channels (mangrove habitat). The information presented here is important to understand some of the effects of individual interactions and to foresee and manage the consequences of conservation and management activities of crocodile populations.
authors.affiliation: Centro de Estudios de Desarrollo Sustentable y Aprovechamiento de la Vida Silvestre, Universidad Autónoma de Campeche. Avenida Héroe de Nacozari S/N, CP 24072, San Francisco de Campeche, Campeche, Mexico.
authors.forename: Sergio E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Padilla
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weber
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D009348:Nematoda / Q000145:classification; D009349:Nematode Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D012876:Skin Diseases, Parasitic / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000469:parasitology / Q000662:veterinary; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000662:veterinary*