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also MSNBC article 20 May 05 (below) Endangered crocodiles discovered in Laos Conservationists hopeful hatchlings will survive The Associated Press IUCN Media Release (PDF file) 20 May 05 Endangered Crocodile Hatchlings Found in Lao PDR A survey team’s discovery of a small breeding population of Siamese Crocodiles marks the first time that hatchlings of this species have been observed in Lao PDR. The breeding colony, discovered in Savannakhet Province, southern Lao PDR, is a great contribution to Lao celebrations for the International Day of Biological Diversity (22 May 2005). The Lao Crocodile Survey us a joint project of the Department of Forestry, Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre (LARReC), National Agriculture and Forestry Resource Institute (NAFRI), Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme (MWBP). Survey results have already revealed some exciting findings. Seven crocodile hatchlings were observed in a small swamp in Savannakhet Province, March 2005. Two hatchlings were caught and measured for scientific research, and then released. An old crocodile nest was also found. From March to May 2005, 20 wetlands in central and southern Lao PDR were surveyed. The team confirmed that crocodiles occur in four sites, and local communities reported that crocodiles still occur in another six sites. The harmless Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is among the world’s most threatened crocodilians, and is ranked as “Critically Endangered” by IUCN - The World Conservation Union. It is now very rare or extinct in Southeast Asia. The current crocodile surveys are the first detailed surveys to be undertaken for the species in Lao PDR. “The Siamese Crocodile is one of four flagship species of the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme, and the Lao survey is making a great contribution to species conservation through the development of science-based approaches,” said Peter-John Meynell, UNDP Team Leader of the MWBP. Siamese Crocodiles still occur in central and southern Lao PDR, but most populations are now small and fragmented. Some local populations may be extinct, with remaining crocodile populations under threat. “The discovery of a crocodile breeding population in Savannakhet Province is internationally important for conserving this species, especially as no other breeding sites have been confirmed yet. Urgent efforts and funding are needed to protect this site and propagate this species in the future,” said Mark Bezuijen, WCS biologist for the crocodile programme. The surveys are also raising awareness of the species among local agencies, and forestry staff who accompany surveys are trained in crocodile survey techniques. “Crocodile conservation is a high priority of the Department of Forestry, and the government is now planning conservation activities with local communities in Savannakhet to protect the breeding site. Surveys will continue to help conserve this endangered species,” said Mr. Chanthone Phothitay, LARReC, Government of Lao PDR. MSNBC website, 20 May 05 Endangered crocodiles discovered in Laos Conservationists hopeful hatchlings will survive The Associated Press BANGKOK, Thailand - A nest of baby Siamese crocodiles has been found in southern Laos, raising hopes that the nearly extinct species may yet survive, conservationists said Friday. Lao and international wildlife specialists found seven hatchlings and an old crocodile nest in a small swamp in the southern Lao province of Savannakhet in March, the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Program announced in a statement. Ranked as "critically endangered" by the World Conservation Union, the species is among the world's most threatened crocodiles, the statement said. The species can still be found in central and southern Laos, but in small and fragmented groups, and in some areas it may already be extinct, it said. "The discovery of a crocodile breeding population in Savannakhet province is internationally important for conserving this species, especially as no other breeding sites have been confirmed yet," Wildlife Conservation Society biologist Mark Bezuijen was quoted saying. "Urgent efforts and funding are needed to protect this site and propagate this species in the future." The Lao government has made the conservation of crocodiles a high priority, and is planning to work with villagers to protect the breeding site, said Chanthone Phothitay, an official with the country's forestry department. A similar survey for endangered crocodiles is being carried out in Vietnam, and conservation activities are ongoing in neighboring Cambodia. The statement did not provide an estimate of the number of Siamese crocodiles in Laos. But Alvin Lopez, an ecologist for the wetlands program, said that Cambodia, with 200 adults, has the largest wild population of the species. The Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Program was established last year by the governments of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam to work with U.N. and private agencies on ecology issues. links Related articles on Global issues: biodiversity biodiversity loss, extinction threats, commercial applications of biodiversity |
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