Wildlife Nation Exclusive Clip: Crocs & Coral Join host Jeff Corwin on an adventure as he explores the conservation success stories of the American crocodile and uncovers how a nuclear power station makes for an ideal crocodile nesting area. To
Join host Jeff Corwin on an adventure as he explores the conservation success stories of the American crocodile and uncovers how a nuclear power station makes for an ideal crocodile nesting area. To learn more about the wildlife featured in the episode, visit www.defenders.org/wildlifenation
Video Transcript:
Jeff Corwin:
I'm in the beautiful state of Florida, seeing how conservation efforts are working to bring back the American crocodile from the brink of extinction. We are on our way to the Turkey Point nuclear power plant. It's the sixth largest power plant in the United States, and it provides power to the entire southern half of Florida. But it also plays an even more powerful role in the survival of the American crocodile.
Jeff Corwin:
This is Mike Lloret and he's a wildlife biologist, and he works with Florida Power & Light. And of course, this is Elizabeth from Defenders of Wildlife. And this is all about these most extraordinary creatures, American crocodiles. Elizabeth, they have quite a powerful story, don't they, in North America?
Elizabeth Fleming:
Yes, they do. They've really had a terrific success story through many decades of conservation effort.
Jeff Corwin:
And of course, Florida Power & Light and Turkey Point has been a big part of this nuclear headstart program. And I mean that in the best sense of the description, because it's almost like you guys have been able to launch the re-survival of this species, the re-wilding of this species. What made this such a success?
Mike Lloret:
We have 6,000 acres here. It ended up being fantastic habitat for the American crocodile. The crocodiles come here. We collect the babies. We monitor the adults and we release everybody back into the wild.
Jeff Corwin:
The power plant is cooled by a massive network of canals that cover 10 square miles and borders a large wildlife reserve. Conservationists have discovered that these canals make the ideal habitat for crocodile nests.
Jeff Corwin:
So because this is a secure facility providing energy for millions of people in Florida, it's protected. So you have security which protects the crocodiles.
Jeff Corwin:
American crocodiles almost were extinct due to hunting and habitat loss. At one point, unfortunately, there were only 100 adult crocodiles left. But thanks to the Endangered Species Act
and organizations, like our sponsor Defenders of Wildlife, they have made an important comeback. There are now over 2,000 American crocodiles surviving in Southern Florida.
Jeff Corwin:
Elizabeth, why is it important that we protect crocodiles?
Elizabeth Fleming:
Because they're part of the natural system in Florida. We have some of the greatest biological diversity in the entire country, and it's because we have so many species like this. Every single one is important. Everyone has a role in the ecosystem and with their loss, it's a loss to us.
Mike Lloret:
The crocodiles are one of our apex predators down here in south Florida. So we know if there're more crocodiles, that the rest of the ecosystem is doing well.
Jeff Corwin:
If they're protected, the birds, the fish, the turtles, the plants, all of that gets protected as well. Mike, so what do we need to accomplish today?
Mike Lloret:
So today we are tagging these baby hatchlings. We are collecting biometric data, which is important to understand the population health of these little guys. And then we're releasing them back into the wild.
Jeff Corwin:
First off, we measure the crocodile hatchlings.
Jeff Corwin:
Snout 12.8 centimeters.
Jeff Corwin:
Then we get their weight.
Jeff Corwin:
58.7 grams there.
Jeff Corwin:
In order to identify each crocodile in the future, we insert a small microchip called a PIT tag, just under the skin. When it is scanned, it will reveal the identification number of this particular crocodile.
Mike Lloret:
Now we're going to cut a unique SKU clip number into his tail.
Jeff Corwin:
My buddy Mike also makes a small incision in the crocodile's scales, according to a specific number pattern. This way, along with the PIT tag, they can be identified for the rest of their lives. But don't worry, it doesn't hurt.
Jeff Corwin:
Okay there my friends, so we have ourselves a bucket of amazing American crocodiles. And if you thought this was cool, now they're going back home.
Elizabeth Fleming:
Absolutely.
Jeff Corwin:
All right, let's do it.
Jeff Corwin:
We head to the wildlife sanctuary in Turkey Point to return them back to the wild.
Jeff Corwin:
All right, here we go. This is what it's all about. You ready, Elizabeth?
Elizabeth Fleming:
Yes, I am.
Jeff Corwin:
All right.
Mike Lloret:
Just going to guide them out that way.
Jeff Corwin:
They're so cute.
Elizabeth Fleming:
They really are...
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