Already thought to be extinct once, the Siamese crocodile is among the most endangered species of crocodile. Poaching and illegal collection of crocodile eggs, habitat loss, and incidental capture with fishing gear threaten their already small numbers every day. There are only an estimated 500 to 1,000 mature Siamese crocodiles left today, and they have been pushed out of 99% of their former habitat.
Because most conservation efforts for the Siamese crocodile are relatively new, we still have a long way to go in researching and protecting this endangered species. That's why this June, Greater Good Charities is sending their Global Discovery Expeditions program to study key ecosystems at the Sao La Nature Reserve in Vietnam. This region is a globally recognized key biodiversity area in the He province on a northern flank of mountains that are part of the Annamite Mountain chain.
As you would expect, the Siamese crocodile is covered in green and scaly. Their color allows them to blend in with murky water and forestry, and their thick coat keeps them safe. This species of crocodile is considered medium-sized, with the largest recorded crocodile reaching 13 ft and 770 lbs. You can tell the Siamese crocodile apart from other crocodiles from the four large scales on their neck, their large snout, and the bony crests behind their eyes.
Despite their scary size and appearance, the Siamese crocodile is not aggressive. In the last hundred years, only 3 to 5 Siamese crocodile attacks on humans have been reported. Throughout the regions where they live, humans often reside alongside them and utilize the same waterways they call home.
One of the great mysteries about the Siamese crocodile is the nature of their burrows. This species of crocodile excavates the banks of waterways and shares their burrows with other members of the species. We still have no idea what the burrows are for or how they evolved to build them. Research is desperately needed for us to better understand their species overall.
The Siamese crocodile can only be found in Southeast Asia, and many of today’s remaining Siamese crocodiles reside in the Mekong River Basin and Cambodia’s wetlands. They live in freshwater areas like rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes, and streams, preferring sloping areas surrounded by forests. Though they aren’t an aggressive species, they are very territorial when it comes to their homes. To mark their territory, they’ll slap their heads against the water and snap their jaws, warning nearby animals that they better find another place to hang out if they know what’s good for them.
