Abstract
Global biodiversity is under extreme pressure, marked by a significant increase in speciesextinctions over the last 300 years and a decline in most vertebrates over the last five decades, mainly due to human activities. Crocodilians are also concerned, with 50% of their species categorized as threatened. Consequently, it is essential to improve the effectiveness of conservation programs. This thesis contributes to broadening and deepening knowledge ofconservation approaches and population inventory methods, with a particular focus on crocodilians. Through community-based conservation, I emphasize the importance ofinvolving indigenous peoples and local communities in conservation projects and consideringtheir social, economic and environmental viewpoints. Reconciling conservation anddevelopment objectives increases the chances of success and sustainability. My work has alsoled to the development of a standardized method for monitoring crocodilians using drones. This efficient, non-invasive methodology is suitable for crocodilian species found in openenvironments. This technology, accessible to a wide range of users, including indigenouspeoples and local communities, promotes their empowerment and the protection of ecosystems. This work offers new perspectives for conservation by combining community involvement and technological advances, for a more effective, inclusive and sustainable approach.