Jackson Creek Middle School
Siamese Crocodile
by Tessa P.
The Siamese crocodile, Crocodylus siamensis, was thought to be extinct in the wild in the second half of the twentieth century. However, three years ago a few Siamese crocodiles were found in Thailand and Cambodia. The ones found in Cambodia were found in a survey of a remote area of the Cardamom Mountains. There are only about 200 left in the wild.
Siamese crocodiles in the wild
The Siamese crocodiles' differences from other crocodiles make them a valuable species. They are relatively inoffensive compared to other species of crocodile. They are a relatively low threat to humans because they only attack when we attack them. They are smaller than some other species of crocodile. The maximum size for males is 9 – 13 feet, but most are less than 9 feet. The skin is valuable because the scales are medium to small and there are no osteoderms or bony bumps on the skin. The Siamese crocodile is so interesting that they should be saved from extinction.
Siamese crocodiles formally lived on the islands of Java and Borneo, in Vietnam, and in nearby parts of Asia. One reason why the Siamese crocodile is endangered is habitat destruction due to conversion of land used for farming. Another reason is that they were hunted for their very valuable skin.
Locations of the native habitats of the Siamese crocodile
Efforts are being made to save the Siamese crocodile. There are successful captive breeding operations in Cambodia and this animal has been bred extensively in captivity for the skin and meat. Commercial use and management have become a viable conservation strategy.
Siamese crocodiles in captivity
The Siamese crocodile should be saved. Every animal has a role in the ecosystem in the area in which it lives. Even removing one species could hurt the ecosystem. The Siamese crocodile eats mostly fish. If the animal were gone the number fish in the rivers and lakes in the area could get out of control. Then there might not be enough food for all of the fish. Some fish would starve.
The Siamese crocodile adds to the biodiversity of the area in which it lives. It is better to have more biodiversity than less biodiversity. If one or more species of a kind of animal becomes extinct that kind of animal will still be around.
Another reason to save endangered species is that they might add to our knowledge of science and medicine. For example we might find a material in the Siamese crocodile that could be used in medicine for people. If this animal becomes extinct we will never know if it would add to our knowledge of science.
The Siamese crocodiles that are used for food and skin are hybrids that are bred in captivity. The hybrids cannot mate with each other. A sustainable population of Siamese crocodiles is needed so that there are enough to mate with the Indopacific crocodile. The hybrids grow faster which makes the yield higher. This is another reason to save the Siamese crocodile.
Picture of hybrid Indopacific/Siamese crocodiles
The Siamese crocodile is relatively easy to save compared to some other animals. The animal is easy to save because it lays a large number of eggs, 20 – 50 each year. The number of eggs they lay makes them easy to breed. The sex is determined by the temperature at a critical stage in development. The breeders can breed more females so that there will be more eggs and more crocodiles.
There are environmental and commercial reasons to save the Siamese crocodile. The animal is in danger of becoming extinct, but it is easy to save. I think that this species must be saved.
Interesting Siamese Crocodile Facts
Interesting Siamese Crocodile Web Sites
Classification of Crocodylus Siamensis
Silver Team Endangered Animals Web Pages
Last updated on 2/11/2003