We participated in a study to detect genetic signs in the Siam crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) and decided if individuals are genetically viable or hybrid in order to develop breeding and conservation programmes, both in situ and ex situ. This species is in critical danger of extinction, considered the most serious threat before being extinguished in freedom, which makes it the most threatened crocodile on the planet.
The project, promoted by the researcher Thomas Ziegler of the Cologne Zoo (Germany), has consisted in the analysis of 65 Siam crocodiles to establish the genetic purity of the populations living in captivity in Laos and Vietnam, as well as the wild populations of Laos.
From Terra Natura we have sent samples of tissue and blood of the three specimens that live in the zoo to be examined. From the two females there were already biological samples that were obtained when they arrived to the zoo, from the male it´s been obtained through an extract of tail tissue.
The researchers were especially interested in the sample of the male of Terra Natura Benidorm, they suspected that it was genetically viable and free of hybridizations based on its genealogy, which allowed them to compare and calibrate the rest of the results obtained in the other tests. It has been determined that the three specimens of the zoo are pure and can reproduce, so the zookeepers hope to achieve their breeding in captivity.
One of the biggest threats for the survival of this animal is the loss of habitat and hunting motivated by the value of its skin. It is believed that in Vietnam is extinct, although fragmented populations still exist in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. The biggest challenge for repopulation and reintroduction efforts is to identify pure specimens from captive populations, a challenge that thanks to this study we can reach closer.