Most of Asia have the largest water unfolds inhabited by crocodiles and alligator species. Which one of the species below do you ever see?
False Gharial
Also known as Malayan or Sunda Gharial, the first Asian Crocodiles is The False Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) native to Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. As freshwater crocodilian, so this species inhabits the rivers, lakes and swamp in low lying areas. The global population is estimated at around 2,500 to 10,000 mature individuals, and make them listed as Vulnerable status according to IUCN Red List.
Siamese Crocodile
The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a medium-sized freshwater crocodile native to almost Southeast Asia. They inhabits the river, lake and swamplands of Indonesia (Borneo), Brunei, East Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. The species have Critically Endangered status according to IUCN Red List, and already extinct in many regions.
Saltwater Crocodile
This species known as the largest living reptile and crocodilian in the world. They inhabits almost in all world’s saltwater and freshwater, mainly in India’s east coast, southeast Asia, northern Australia and Micronesia. Because of wide range of habitat, the Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) have Least Concern status on the IUCN Red List.
Philippine Crocodile
The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is one of two species of crocodiles native to Philippines. They currently have Critically Endangered status according to IUCN Red List, due to exploitation and unsustainable fishing methods. It is strictly prohibited to kill this crocodile in the country, and it is punishable by law.
Chinese Alligator
As the name implies, Chinese Alligator (Alligator sinensis) is crocodilian endemic to China. Along with American Alligator, they both are the only living species of the family Alligatoridae. Due to habitat destruction their population continue to decline, and now have Critically Endangered status according to IUCN Red List.
Mugger Crocodile
The Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is a medium-sized broad-snouted crocodile. They native to freshwater habitats from southern Iran to Indian subcontinent, where it inhabits marshes, lakes, rivers and artificial ponds. Currently, they have Vulnerable status on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction.
Borneo Crocodile
The Borneo crocodile (Crocodylus raninus), is an enigmatic species of freshwater crocodile endemic to the Southeast Asian island of Borneo. This species taxonomic status is still controversial and unclear, some authors considered it has resemblance with Saltwater Crocodiles. Although a redescription in 1990 and 1992 presented evidence of their distinct identity.
So, Asian Crocodiles mostly can inhabits freshwaters – and some of them can live in saltwater as well. It is our responsibility to protect all wildlife so nature will continue to be in a state of balance! See the Salt Water Crocodile and False Gharial while you visiting Bali Safari Park!
