Focus on Arts and Ecology

I'm Anastasia; I work with Mark, and when I heard he was writing to you about crocodiles I asked - well, demanded - that he let me write instead. Fortunately he accepted, not least because he's just received some truly harrowing news from one of our projects, which he's frantically trying to piece together a plan for (more on that soon).

But back to crocodiles... To be candid, I love them. Working for a conservation charity, loving animals is pretty much part and parcel of the job. However, the mighty crocodile has always fascinated me more than most.

I know what you’re thinking - crocodiles? An unusual choice for a favourite animal. And perhaps you’re right; these intimidating reptiles aren’t conventionally cute or fluffy or cuddly, or any of the other things that usually qualify species for the crown of “favourite”.

But they are truly remarkable. And they are terribly misunderstood.

The media have a long history of demonising large predators like crocodiles and sharks, and it always seems to be the reptiles and ocean creatures that get the worst rep. Whilst brown bears, jaguars, lions, tigers and even polar bears are adored by many, crocodiles and sharks are snubbed, described only as “menacing killers”, “razor-toothed beasts”, and “lurking monsters”.

I can assure you that crocodiles are much, much more than that.

These remarkable reptiles have been around since the age of the dinosaurs. They are so agile, so formidable, so well-adapted to their environment, that they have remained virtually unchanged for millions of years.

Crocodilians have complex social systems, and are very perceptive. Their sharply honed features allow them to play a crucial role in the food chain.

Some captive crocodiles have shown that they can be trained, for example keeping their jaw open to help with health checks, and recent studies have even shown that crocodiles are very playful.

They are far more than just a ferocious set of teeth.

However, sadly, their wider importance is not generally appreciated, and their plight is not recognised by many people around the world who see them simply as formidable predators - a species to be feared, not saved. 

As a result, many crocodile species are, themselves, dangerously close to the jaws of extinction.

The Siamese crocodile - a flagship species for FFI - was once widespread throughout Southeast Asia, but they have now disappeared from 99% of their former range. In fact, they were thought to be extinct in the wild until FFI surveys rediscovered them in 2000. There are fewer than 250 remaining.

The hunters have become the hunted; these extraordinary creatures have been targeted for their valuable skins, plucked from their wetland home, thrown into crocodile farms, and ruthlessly slaughtered. They are so synonymous with fashion that even a quick web search for crocodiles brings up results for handbags and shoes.

Sadly, so many people are unaware - or simply uncaring - when it comes to their plight.

That’s why I’m here today to tell you: Our survival instinct ensures that we fear large carnivores like the crocodile. But that doesn’t mean we need to dislike them.

FFI has been working hard over the last few decades to help Cambodia’s dwindling population of Siamese crocodiles recover.

And I have some fantastic news for you; we have recently had some ground-breaking success with our release programme, reintroducing no fewer than 25 captive bred individuals back into the wild. This is a massive boost for a species that was thought to be extinct until just over two decades ago.

So, if everything I’ve said so far still leaves you unconvinced, then I would urge you to click the link below and read about the biggest release of Siamese crocodiles that we have ever attempted.

You can check out some of the incredible pictures from release day, and revel in the beauty of a species that has defied the odds for millions of years. A species that is a close as we’re going to get to a living dinosaur. And maybe - just maybe - you’ll see something extraordinary.

COMEBACK CROCS

Please help us show these misunderstood creatures some love. If everyone reading this donates just $3 you could help bring Siamese crocodiles back from the brink. Thank you.

DONATE $3

Photo credit: Head warden Sim Khmao, standing waist-deep in prime Siamese crocodile habitat, prepares to release another juvenile. FFI.

Second photo: Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora International

Third photo: Jeremy Holden / Fauna & Flora International

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Fauna & Flora International USA, Inc.
1720 N Street, Fourth Floor
Washington, DC 20036
USA

Registered charity number: 1011102. Registered company number: 2677068. Copyright 2022 Fauna & Flora International, All rights reserved.

If you're donating in USD, then please be aware that FFI USA is a non-profit, tax-exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations to FFI USA are tax-deductible as allowed by law. FFI USA Inc. confirms that no goods or services, either in whole or in part, were rendered in exchange for this donation in accordance with the requirements of the IRS. Our federal tax identification number is 81-3967095.