November 22nd, after a recent video featuring a 60-centimeter-long crocodile in Hongcheng Lake Haikou, went viral on local Chinese social media, a professional team was organised and sent to capture it.
Around 6:30 pm on the 22nd, personnel from Dongfang City’s specialised crocodile farming team successfully apprehended a Siamese crocodile, colloquially known as the Thai crocodile. As adults, these crocodiles can reach lengths of about 3 meters. Primarily feeding on fish, they pose minimal risk to humans.
Endangered Species: The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is classified as a critically endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade have significantly contributed to its endangered status.
Size and Appearance: Siamese crocodiles are relatively small compared to other crocodile species. Adults typically reach lengths of 2 to 3 meters, with males being slightly larger than females. They have a slender build and distinctive, raised scales on their back.
Habitat: Originally found across Southeast Asia, Siamese crocodiles are now limited to fragmented habitats in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Indonesia. They inhabit freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and marshes.
Diet and Behaviour: Siamese crocodiles are opportunistic feeders, preying on a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, amphibians, and small mammals. They are known for their secretive behaviour and are often found in areas with dense vegetation, providing cover for hunting and nesting.
Conservation Efforts: Due to their critical endangerment, various conservation programs and breeding efforts have been initiated to save the Siamese crocodile from extinction. Captive breeding programs aim to reintroduce individuals into protected habitats, contributing to the conservation and restoration of their populations in the wild.
Catching the crocodile:
Using a flashlight, the team spotted the crocodile’s reflective eyes and promptly secured it upon entering the water. The Haikou Forestry Bureau announced plans to transport the crocodile to the Haikou Wildlife Rescue Centre for examination and care.
The crocodile was discovered when Ms. Fu, a local resident, spotted unusual animal tracks while boating in Hongcheng Lake Park. She recorded a video and reported it to the operator of the water sports centre.
The Qiongshan District Agriculture and Rural Affairs Bureau emphasized that the crocodile’s presence in Hongcheng Lake is likely a result of human actions, such as abandonment or intentional release.
Related article: Rare Roudouye Mountain Damselfly Sighted in Haikou’s Meishe River Wetland Park
