CONSERVATION:
The Siamese crocodile has a critical status in the wild (i.e. virtually extinct). In recent years, surveys have been undertaken to assess its true status, as before this virtually no reliable data were available on its distribution. This made population estimates very difficult and, although more data are now available, a real assessment of its actual status in the wild is still not available.
Surveys revealed a handful of animals in Thailand, suspected to be incapable of viable breeding, and so the species may soon become extinct in this area. In Cambodia, population estimates of between 50 and 4000 animals exist, but these require independent confirmation. Captive breeding operations in this country are very successful, however, and the status of the species in captivity is far from threatened. In other areas of its range, it has been found that once widely-distributed populations are now severely depleted and the trend does not appear to be reversing.
Major threats to the continued survival of this species in the wild come from habitat destruction (conversion to agricultural land) and hunting. However, it appears that its status is not quite as bleak as a few years ago, as proper surveys have revealed some populations and identified the threatening factors. Also, the skin of this species is considered to be valuable, and therefore commercial use and management become a viable conservation strategy. The species has been bred extensively in captivity, and a knowledge base for longterm farming / ranching operations certainly exists. The species is also considered to be relatively inoffensive and a low threat to humans compared with other species such as C. porosus.
Hybridization with C. porosus in captivity is an undesirable trend, especially as hybrids may be preferred by the skin trade for their superior growth rates and hence increased yield.
Restocking programs are underway in Thailand, with crocodiles supplied from crocodile farms. Reintroduction depends upon the existence of protected habitat and the genetic purity of stock being reintroduced.
MORE INFORMATION:
For more information on distribution and conservation issues for this species,see the CSG Action Plan resource.
SIGNIFICANT REFERENCES:
Cox, JH, Frazier, R & Maturbongs, R (1993). Freshwater crocodilians of Kalimantan (Indonesia, Borneo). Copeia 1993(2): 564-566
Kitiyanant, Y, Youngprapakorn, P, Songthaveesin, C, Tocharus, C, Jaruansuwan, M, Junprasert, S & Pavasuthipaisit, K (1994). Seasonal changes of sperm morphology and reproductive tracts of Crocodylus siamensis. In: Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 12th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. pp. 268-275
Ratanakorn, P, Amget, B & Ottlet, B (1993). Preliminary surveys of crocodilians in Thailand. In: Crocodiles. Proceedings of the 12th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland. pp. 35-56
Smith, LA (1919). Crocodylus siamensis. J. Nat. Hist. Soc. Siam. 3: 217-222