How Ironic! Extremely Rare Crocs Found at Wildlife Rescue Center
Talk about ironic! While searching for the world’s most endangered crocodile species, conservationists discovered nearly 70 extremely rare crocodiles lounging in plain view at a wildlife rescue center in Cambodia!
According to reports, DNA taken from 69 crocs at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, revealed that 35 of the lounging reptiles were in fact 100 percent purebred Siamese crocodiles, Crocodylus siamensis. Because is it difficult to tell the difference between the smaller Siamese and the hybrid crocodile species, DNA testing was necessary. The discovery provides options for breeding and reintroduction of the species into the wild.
Siamese Crocodiles
Once common throughout parts of Asia, the Siamese crocodile has become locally extinct in 99 percent of their natural habitat. Less than 250 are thought to exist in the wild today. Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, threats to the croc include illegal poaching, habitat loss and persecution. Siamese crocodile skin yields very soft leather. Some of the rare crocs are also sold to commercial farms and bred with other species. The building of hydro-power dams in two of the three known habitats also threatens the species today.
Photo Siamese crocodile Superjew
