Determining the presence of Siamese Crocodile in captive stock in Lao PDR for conservation breeding and release into the wild

Species Conservation Fund
Written By
 

© Jeremy Holden/FFI

Project aims

  • Determine the number of pure Siamese Crocodiles onsite at Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW) by extracting and sequencing DNA, using Whole Genome Sequencing

  • Support a Lao LCTW staff member, or National University of Lao biology/wildlife ecology/veterinary student to learn scientific procedures and laboratory skills during sample processing and DNA extraction, and genomic library preparation

  • Create an animal management plan and organise, where infrastructure allows, breeding pairs/plans to begin in situ conservation and augment the genetically isolated wild populations in Lao PDR

Results

The number of Siamese Crocodiles at LCTW looked to be nearly double the number estimated in the wild. The timing of this result was critical timing-wise as many of the individuals are nearing the end of their breeding window and this has allowed LCTW to apply this knowledge to initiate targeted conservation breeding efforts.

A separate enclosure for newly hatched babies has been built, allowing for safe rearing until the juveniles are ready to be released in the wild in partnership with the in-country Wildlife Conservation Society team. 

Reports

Final report
 

AT A GLANCE

 

Organisation: Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife 

Country: Lao PDR

Year project started: 2024

Species: Siamese Crocodile

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