Siamese crocodile

Scientific name: Crocodylus siamensis

Family Classification: Crocodylidae

Common names: Siamese Crocodile

IUCN Red List Category: Critically Endangered (1)

Year Assessed: 1996 (Needs updating) (1)

Estimated wild population: Less than 5,000 (2)

Range Description: Small populations remain in Laos, Viet Nam, and Indonesia, but wild Siamese crocodiles are virtually gone in Thailand. In 2000 a single specimen was discovered in Kaeng Krachan National Park in western Thailand, and in 2002 one to three were sighted in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in central Thailand. An effort has begun to establish additional populations by releasing captive reared specimens in areas of protected habitat. (1)

Countries: Cambodia; Indonesia; Malaysia; Viet Nam (1)

Habitat: Freshwater species, occurring in swamps and slow-moving sections of streams and rivers, but also found in lakes and rivers. Terrestrial nesting and basking sites. (1)

Description: The Siamese crocodile is a freshwater crocodile native to Asia. Little is known about this critically endangered species, which has already been eradicated from many regions. We do know that in the wild they prefer slow moving waters like swamps, rivers, and lakes. Adult males reach a length of 3 metres (9.8 ft). Both male and female Siamese crocodiles look after newly hatched babies, and uniquely, this species is known to live together as a family unit.

Maximum adult length: 3 metres (9.8 ft)

Diet and predation: Siamese crocodiles feed mostly on fish, but also other reptiles and amphibians. It is also believed to prey on small mammals. Very little is known of the feeding preferences of this species in the wild.

Conservation status: The Siamese crocodile is one of the most endangered crocodilian species. In the wild they are threatened due to illegal poaching, and habitat destruction. Many animals are kept on crocodile farms, where they are cross-bred with the saltwater crocodile, which is threatening to destroy the genetic uniformity of the species.

References:

1. IUCN Red List (February, 2011) http://www.iucnredlist.org
2. FLMNH - Crocodile Species List (February, 2011) http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/cnhc/