A Siamese crocodile on the verge of extinction has just been discovered in Thailand’s largest national park.
A very rare freshwater crocodile falls into a photo trap while sunbathing in Kaeng Krachan National Park, in Kaeng Krachan province, near the border with Myanmar. These are reptiles that once existed throughout Southeast Asia, but their numbers have declined sharply in the region.
Siamese crocodiles are currently listed as Critically Endangered in the Red Book of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
Park officials estimate that only 20 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild due to hunting and habitat reduction. The rare image released by Kaeng Krachan National Park on January 23 is considered good news for this freshwater reptile.
The crocodile – never seen before by authorities – emerged from the water and was captured by hidden cameras before lying on the riverbank and sunning.
These rare images – recorded in December 2020 – prove that Kaeng Krachan National Park is “an important area for wildlife conservation,” said Manoon Prewsoongnern, a public administrator working with the World Conservation Association.
He added that the crocodile is estimated to be 3m long. This is the second time this crocodile has appeared in the past decade.
“Siamese crocodiles are carnivores, but they were among the first victims of the environmental crisis. Thus, the appearance of the animal is also proof that the environment of the national park is still pristine, ”said Mr. Manoon.
This endangered crocodile is very hunted. Many illegal hunters try to catch them for the eggs and the skin of luxury fashion brands.
