Chinese Alligator Fund

The Siamese Crocodile has been eradicated from much of its former range. Small populations remain in Laos, Vietnam, and Indonesia, but wild Siamese crocodiles are virtually gone in Thailand. In 2000 a single specimen was discovered in Kaeng Krachan National Park in western Thailand, and in 2002 one to three were sighted in Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary in central Thailand. An effort has begun to establish additional populations by releasing captive reared specimens in areas of protected habitat. For further information see:

Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction

The Philippine Crocodile was once widely distributed throughout the Philippines Archipelago, but has been eliminated from more than 80% of its former range. The only known wild breeding population is in far northeast Luzon, where the Mabuwaya Foundation is implementing a community-based conservation program. Scattered individuals have been found in northwest Luzon, whilst a small remnant population is thought to remain in Mindanao and possibly southwest Negros. A nationwide survey program is underway to clarify current distribution, coupled with information-awareness campaigns to increase public appreciation of the Philippine crocodile. Using the species as flagship for broader freshwater conservation in the Philippines, it is hoped that further protected areas can be established. Growing national and international interest in this species' conservation is being coordinated and encouraged through the Philippine Crocodile National Recovery Team — see:

Philippine Crocodile Recovery Plan

The Orinoco Crocodile was over-hunted for its skin from the 1930's through the 1960's and pollution from agricultural pesticides has threatened some populations. Today, it is one of the most endangered crocodiles in the Americas. Unfortunately, threats from revolutionary guerillas make it impossible for conservationists to protect the species in the wild. Additional information can be found at:

Orinoco Crocodile Action Plan

The Cuban Crocodile used to be widely distributed in Cuba, the Cayman Islands, and even in the Bahamas. Today, it is confined to 300km² in the southwestern Zapata Swamp on the south coast of Cuba, the smallest distribution of any crocodile in the Americas. It has been re-introduced into the Lanier Swamp on the Isle of Pines and it is being bred in captivity, but with such a restricted distribution, any natural catastrophe could eliminate the species. For more information see:

Cuban Crocodile Conservation

The Black Caiman populations were severely depleted by over-hunting for its large and valuable skin in the 1940's-1960's. Today, it is recovering in many parts of its range. Regional programs to increase its conservation are underway — see:

Black Caiman Conservation

The Gharial was hunted almost to extinction before it was protected in the 1970's. Good conservation programs now protect it from over-exploitation, but it is still suffering from habitat loss and poaching of its eggs —see:

Gharial Conservation

Threatened Populations of abundant species still require increased protection and further study, and populations of all species need protection in national parks and other sanctuaries. Check the CSG Newsletter for the latest reports on crocodilian conservation.

We need your support for even though crocodilian conservation is one of the most successful vertebrate conservation undertakings in existence, your support will allow the Crocodile Specialist Group program to become even more effective.