Ashley Pearcy

Skull Shape Analysis in the Ecology and Conservation of Crocodiles: Integrating Morphology and Conservation Ashley Pearcy

Integrated conservation has gained ground as pertinent means to preserving some of the world's most endangered species. Bearing this in mind and implementing it as means of preemptive actions to increase management and conservation plan efficiency, while reducing collateral damage to non-focal species, this book researches the implications for the conservation of iconic creatures: crocodiles. Assuming that the more similar two species are, the more likely they are to compete, the book negotiates a natural state ratio between sympatric crocodilians using skull shape comparison. It presents a step-by-step process through the basics of taking photographs of skulls to the mathematics of theoretical ecology in order to define previously unconsidered applications of morphometrics within ecological conservation. Along the way, it also highlights landmarks of interest within crocodilian skull morphology and concerns with currently used conservation methods. The book was written for anyone actively involved in the conservation of crocodilians and those pursuing applicability within sciences.