Jamaica Crocodile
Research, Outreach
& Conservation Initiative

Spearheading collaborative crocodile conservation work in Jamaica. From being part of Jamaica's cultural heritage to keeping the wetlands healthy, our key mission is to promote the safe coexistence between people and crocodiles.

#SaveCrocsJA πŸ‡―πŸ‡²

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Conservation
#SaveCrocsJA Β· Research Β· Outreach Β· Conservation Β· Jamaica Β· American Crocodile Β· JamCROC Initiative Β· #SaveCrocsJA Β· Research Β· Outreach Β· Conservation Β· Jamaica Β· American Crocodile Β· JamCROC Initiative Β·

Protecting Jamaica's Largest Native Reptile

The Jamaica Crocodile Research, Outreach & Conservation Initiative (JamCROC) is a conservation project which spearheads research, outreach and capacity building through wildlife training and community engagement. What first started out as an Instagram page back in 2018 to bring more awareness to crocodiles in Jamaica, now drives collaborative crocodile conservation work island-wide with the support of local and international funding.

The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) is Jamaica's largest native reptile and faces numerous threats, including illegal hunting, habitat loss, illegal capture and possession. Although typically shy and docile, misconceptions about the species' behaviour have fueled fear and negative human-crocodile interactions. Crocodiles are vital to Jamaica's wetland ecosystems and through our work, we are changing how Jamaicans see and live alongside these incredible animals.

JamCROC logo
Merchandise

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100% of proceeds support environmental wardens and community groups recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

πŸ‡―πŸ‡² Orders available for local purchase in Jamaica only  Β·  Limited stock available
T-Shirt
Strong. Resilient. Jamaica.

Small JamCROC logo on chest Β· "Strong. Resilient. JAMAICA" back in rasta colours Β· Heavyweight cotton Β· Unisex

J$4,000
Size
Qty
1
T-Shirt
JamCROC Logo Tee

Large JamCROC logo centred on front Β· "Jamaica Crocodile Research, Outreach & Conservation Initiative" on back Β· Heavyweight cotton Β· Unisex

J$4,000
Size
Qty
1
Sticker
JamCROC Logo Sticker

Die-cut Β· Full-colour rasta gradient Β· Weatherproof & UV-resistant Β· Great on bottles, laptops & boards

J$500 per sticker
Qty
1
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100% of proceeds support environmental wardens and community groups recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

🌿
JamCROCs

JAMAICA'S LARGEST REPTILE

'dem rather run dan rush yuh!'

Meet Jamaica's American Crocodile (Crocodylus acutus), locally known as 'Jamcrocs'

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Who Are They?

  • Jamaica's largest native reptile and only crocodilian species
  • Featured on Jamaica's Coat of Arms
  • More likely to flee from humans than attack
  • May become defensive if provoked or lose natural fear if fed by people
  • Breeding season: Dec–Jan Β· Nesting & hatching: Feb–Aug
πŸ“

Habitat

  • Freshwater and saltwater wetlands, including rivers and mangrove swamps
  • Concentrated in wetlands along Jamaica's south coast
  • Also found in sewage ponds and canals
  • Will use the sea to travel between wetlands
Key parishes:
KingstonSt. ThomasSt. Catherine ClarendonManchesterSt. Elizabeth WestmorelandHanover
πŸ–

Diet & Size

Diet

  • Insects, snails and crustaceans
  • Fish, birds and small mammals

Size

  • Males can grow up to 14 feet long
  • Females are generally smaller
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Why Are They Important?

  • Keep our waterways clean and wetlands healthy
  • Top of the food chain, helping maintain healthy fish stocks
  • "Ecosystem engineers": their channels enhance water circulation in mangroves
  • Holes and burrows create essential microhabitats for wildlife
  • Drives eco-tourism and creates employment opportunities island-wide

πŸ₯š Life Cycle

πŸ₯š
Eggs
~8cm
β†’
🦎
Hatchling
<2ft
β†’
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Juvenile
2–5ft
β†’
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Adult
>5ft
⚠️

Threats

Crocodiles are protected under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), but face numerous threats:

  • Illegal hunting
  • Loss and fragmentation of wetland habitat
  • Illegal capture and possession
  • Feeding of wild crocodiles by humans
  • Wildlife-vehicle collisions

Penalty: max fine J$3,000,000 or up to three years in prison.

πŸ”¬

Conservation Efforts

  • Rescue and relocation of crocodiles
  • Public awareness campaigns
  • Research and population monitoring
  • Law enforcement of the WLPA

The first-ever island-wide crocodile survey was completed in 2022, and this now guides future conservation priorities.

🀝 Be JamCROC-Wise

  1. Leave crocodiles alone: do not feed, catch, harass or harm them
  2. Always keep at least 40 feet away
  3. Be extra vigilant at night and during breeding (Dec–Jan) and nesting (Feb–Aug) seasons
  4. Dispose of food scraps away from waterways
  5. Avoid swimming in ponds and wading in wetlands at night
  6. Call NEPA (876) 754-7540 or Police 119 if crocs need help
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Report a Crocodile Incident

Contact NEPA: (876) 754-7540  Β·  Toll-Free: (888) 991-5005  Β·  Police: 119

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Β© 2026 JamCROC Initiative Β· Founded by @treyaann Β· All rights reserved.

#SaveCrocsJA

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100% of proceeds support environmental wardens and community groups recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

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