Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) – one of the rarest and most mysterious crocodiles in the world. Once common in the waters of Southeast Asia, today it is it is on the verge of extinction.
This view has peaceful nature, an average size and unique biological features that distinguish it from other members of the genus Crocodylus. An important role in his disappearance was played by poaching, environmental destruction, and hybridization with the Siamese giant crocodile (Crocodylus porosus).
In this article, we will look at origin, habitat, behavior, reproduction, threats, and conservation efforts of the Siamese crocodile.
Scientific classification
🔬 Taxonomy of the Siamese crocodile:
✔ The Kingdom: Animals (Animalia)
✔ Type: Chordal (Chordata)
✔ Class: Reptiles (Reptilia)
✔ Row: Crocodile-like (Crocodylia)
✔ Family: Crocodile trees (Crocodylidae)
✔ Gender: Crocodiles (Crocodylus)
✔ View: Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis)
📌 Interesting!
Despite its name, this species is found not only in Thailand (formerly Siam), but also in Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia and Myanmar.
Origin and history of the discovery
🕵 Who discovered the Siamese crocodile?
* It was first described by the French naturalist Georges Cuvier in the 1800s.
* In the 20th century, this species almost disappeared in the wild.
* In 2000, researchers found residual populations in Cambodiawhich gave the species a chance to revive.
📌 Interesting!
For a long time it was believed that this crocodile extinct in the wilduntil it was accidentally discovered in the rivers of Cambodia.
Appearance and features
💠 What does a Siamese crocodile look like?
• Size: On average 2.5–3.5 meters, maximum 4 meters.
• Weight: 100-150 kg, the largest individuals-k 250 kg.
• Color scheme: Dark green or olive-brown, with black stripes on the tail.
• Chairman: Rather short and broad, with a distinct spine between the eyes.
• Jaws: Less powerful than the crested crocodile, but strong enough to capture prey.
📌 How is it different from other crocodiles?
✅ Has smooth scales no sharp spikes on the back.
✅ Not very aggressive compared to other species.
✅ Often it lives in fresh water, not salt water.
Range and habitat
🌍 Where does the Siamese crocodile live?
* Previously distributed in rivers, lakes, swamps, and mangroves in Southeast Asia.
* Currently, the remaining populations are located only in Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam.
📌 Interesting!
Its habitat is rapidly disappearing due to pollution, swamp drainage and dam construction.
Lifestyle and behavior
🔹 Activity and behavior
* Leads semi-aquatic lifestyle, often rests on the beach.
• Not aggressive - unlike the saltwater crocodile, it rarely attacks humans.
• Territorial Departmentespecially during the breeding season.
🔹 Hunting and nutrition
• Main meal:
✅ Fish
Зем Amphibians (frogs)
✅ Small mammals and birds
✅ Reptiles (turtles, snakes)
📌 Interesting!
Siamese crocodiles are common they catch prey underwater, use tricky ambushes.
Reproduction and development
💡 How does the Siamese crocodile breed?
* Females lay eggs 20-50 eggs into a nest of vegetation.
* Incubation continues 70-80 days.
* Nest temperature affects the sex of the cubs:
✅ Higher temperature – more males
✅ Lower temperature – more females
📌 Interesting!
Females protect their nests and even help the cubs get out of the shell.
Threats to the species and their protected status
⚠ What threatens the Siamese crocodile?
• Poaching "hunting for leather and meat.
• Habitat destruction - drainage of swamps, deforestation.
• Hybridization - mixing with the more aggressive crested crocodile.
🛡 Security status:
, Entered in IUCN Red List how "Critically Endangered" (CR).
✅ Valid captive breeding program in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
📌 Interesting!
There are more Siamese crocodiles in zoos around the world than in the wild!
Conservation efforts for the species
✅ Captive breeding - bred young individuals are released into the wild.
✅ Protection of nature reserves in Cambodia and Laos.
✅ Combating illegal fishing - increased control over poaching.
📌 Interesting!
Siamese crocodile Recovery Programs gave the first positive resultsand the population started to grow!
Conclusion
Siamese crocodile – a unique and rare species that requires protection.
💡 Basic facts:
✔ Peaceful character and medium size
✔ It lives in fresh water bodies
✔ Critically endangered
✔ Efforts to save it offer hope for a population recovery.
📢 The conservation of this species is an important step in preserving the biodiversity of Southeast Asia!
