Siamese Crocodile
Animal speciesAbout
The Siamese crocodile, scientifically known as Crocodylus siamensis, is a medium-sized freshwater reptile native to Southeast Asia. It is characterized by a broad, smooth snout and a prominent bony crest behind each eye. The species is generally olive-green to dark-green in color, allowing it to blend into its aquatic environment. Adults typically reach lengths of 2.1 meters and weigh between 40 to 70 kilograms, though larger specimens can grow up to four meters and weigh up to 350 kilograms. Siamese crocodiles inhabit slow-moving rivers, lakes, and marshes across their historical range, which includes Indonesia, Brunei, East Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, they are now critically endangered and largely extirpated from their original range, with fragmented populations remaining mainly in Cambodia and Laos. Their diet consists mainly of fish, snakes, and small mammals. Conservation efforts are underway, including captive breeding programs and habitat protection initiatives, to safeguard this species' survival. Despite their endangered status, Siamese crocodiles play a vital role in their ecosystems, helping to regulate local wildlife populations.
