CR

Crocodylus siamensis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Siamese crocodile faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat conversion of freshwater wetlands for agriculture and aquaculture development across Southeast Asia. Illegal hunting for skin and meat has historically decimated wild populations, while dam construction fragments remaining river systems and alters critical nesting sites. Hybridization with saltwater crocodiles in captive breeding programs threatens genetic integrity of pure Siamese crocodile bloodlines.

Threat summary

Habitat

Siamese crocodiles inhabit slow-moving freshwater environments including rivers, lakes, marshes, and seasonal wetlands throughout Southeast Asia. They prefer areas with dense aquatic vegetation and muddy banks suitable for nesting, typically in lowland regions below 200 meters elevation.

Wetlands (inland)· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionAwareness & communicationsCompliance and enforcementLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Crocodylus siamensis classified as Critically Endangered?
Crocodylus siamensis is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Siamese crocodile faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat conversion of freshwater wetlands for agriculture and aquaculture development across Southeast Asia. Illegal hunting for skin and meat has historically decimated wild populations, while dam construction fragments remaining river systems and alters critical nesting sites. Hybridization with saltwater crocodiles in captive breeding programs threatens genetic integrity of pure Siamese crocodile bloodlines.
Where does Crocodylus siamensis live?
Crocodylus siamensis occurs in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), and Thailand (plus 1 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Crocodylus siamensis?
The main threats to Crocodylus siamensis are 1.1, 11.1, 3.3, and 5.1. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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