Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), Madras Crocodile Bank, India.
Crocodiles part 19: Siamese Crocodile
Siamese crocodile is one of the world's rarest species. It once lived from Myanmar to southern China and Java. In the 1990-s, it was believed to be extinct in the wild, but eventually a few small populations were discovered in eastern Kalimantan, Cambodia and southern Vietnam, with a few individuals in Thailand and Laos.
Siamese crocodile (C. siamensis), Saint Augustine Alligator Farm Zoo Park, Florida. |
Siamese crocodile, SAAFZP, Florida. |
Siamese crocodile can probably reach 4 m (13') in size, but most are less than 3 m (10') long. It inhabits slow rivers, lakes and swamps. It is a shy animal, seldom aggressive towards humans. No attacks on people have ever been recorded. |
Siamese crocodile, SAAFZP, Florida. |
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| Juvenile Siamese crocodiles, SAAFZP, Florida. |
Siamese crocodile, Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam. |
Due to its placid behavior and high-quality skin it it often captive-bred in crocodile farms. |
Siamese crocodile, SAAFZP, Florida. |
Siamese crocodile, CTNP, Vietnam. |
Siamese crocodile, Alligator Adventures, South Carolina. |
Siamese crocodile is the only crocodilian species in which parents have been observed to feed their young. An adult would hold a piece of fish or meet, letting the kids bite off small bits. |
Siamese crocodile, Alligator Adventures, South Carolina. |
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| Siamese crocodile, Alligator Adventures, South Carolina. |
Siamese crocodile, Alligator Adventures, South Carolina. |
These crocodiles breed at the end of dry season, so that hatchlings have plenty of food when the rains begin. |
Siamese crocodile, Alligator Adventures, South Carolina. |
Utan, a Siamese-saltwater hybrid, Alligator Adventures, South Carolina. |
Utan, a Siamese-saltwater hybrid, Alligator Adventures. |
Hybrids of Siamese and saltwater crocodiles are even more popular with farm owners because they grow very fast. The largest crocodile currently in captivity is such a hybrid. His name is Utan, and he is 6 m (21') long. |
Utan, a Siamese-saltwater hybrid, Alligator Adventures. |
Siamese crocodile habitat, CTNP, Vietnam. |
Part 20: Other crocodiles
Back to Part 18
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