MINISTRY OF EDUCATIONAND TRAINING MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY  Paseun SOUVANNASY Status, Distribution, and Ecology of the Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in Central Lao PDR MASTER THESIS IN FOREST SCIENCE Hanoi, 2018 MINISTRY OF EDUCATIONAND TRAINING MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF FORESTRY  Paseun SOUVANNASY Status, Distribution, and Ecology of the Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in Central Lao PDR Major: Forest Science Code: 8620201 MASTER THESIS IN FOREST SCIENCE Academic advisor: Dr Luu Quang Vinh Prof Dr Thomas Ziegler Hanoi, 2018 ABSTRACT The Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is the most threatened species of crocodians and already to become extinct in the wild from many regions, essentially a scientifically-based call to action for preventing the extinction of wild species around the world Current species was listed in the IUCN Red List status of Critically Endangered Natural distributions of the species extant populations are in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam Natural distribution of the species in Laos Surveys confirmed previous reports that many local populations are now extirpated Extant populations are in the Xe Champhone, Xe Banghiang, Xe Bangfai and Xe Xangxoy river systems (Savannakhet Province), Xe Pian - Xe Khampho river systems (Attapu Province), Xe Don river (Salavan Province) and Phou Khao khouay National Protected Area (Bolikhamxay Province) The propose of this research is to investigate the presence of the Siamese Crocodile population, estimate the population size/structure, investigate the ecology of this species, predict the potential distribution and identify potentially suitable habitats, identify threats to the population and provide recommendations for habitat protection and species conservation in Khammuane and Savannakhet provinces At least to individuals by field survey observation and interview with the local people of Ka Cham village, Peo Ban Hang and Peo Song Hong Lakes found only one individual by field survey observation and from interview the local people of Soc Village estimated individual occurred in these lakes Kout Mark Peo the minimum number is 1+ individual (adult), trails, one nest unfinished on the floating mat of grass, in Nong Paen Lake the minimum number are 11+ individuals (Juvenile), 3+ individuals (adult), nests with eggs, Nong Kond Phai the minimum number is 1+ individual (adult) and one resting site and at least 1+ individual living in the Xe Hack Lake can be estimated I The content of prey remains in feces as soil particle, reptiles, vegetation, fish scale, mammals The main threats to the species in study sites are habitat loss, drought, hunting animal, disturbance by humans and pets, fishing, flood, eaten by animal hunter The highest priority for conservation is Nong Paen and Kout Mark Peo Lakes, followed by which is Nong Bua Ta Lake and Peo Bang Hang and Peo Song Hong lakes The lowest site for conservation is Xe Hack and Nong Kond Pai Lakes II Table of Contents ABSTRACT I List of figures IV List of tables VI INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.2 Goal 1.3 Objectives 1.4 Hypotheses LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Taxonomy and natural conservation of the species 2.2 Ecology of the Siamese Crocodile 2.3 Population Status of the Siamese Crocodile 2.4 Conservation Actions 13 2.5 Legal regulations to protect the Aquatic and wildlife in Laos 15 METHODS 17 3.1 Study sites 17 3.2 Data collection 19 RESULTS 25 4.1 Distribution of the Siamese Crocodile in the study sites 25 4.2 Habitats of the Siamese Crocodile 27 4.3 Population size of the Siamese Crocodile 30 4.4 Population structure of the species 39 4.6 Suitability habitat 42 4.7 Threats to Crocodile Population 44 DISCUSSION 47 CONCLUSION 52 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 54 REFERRENCES 55 APPENDIX 61 III List of figures Figure The current distribution of the Siamese Crocodile Figure Dead crocodile has killed by local people near Tan Soum Village 10 (Lao WCS) Figure Battery fishing in Phai Jiew reservoir 12 Figure Paddy rice and drainage Chanel for water pump to support rice production in the dry season around the Xe Hack Lake 13 Figure Map of the study sites 18 Figure Diagram of crocodile Head Length (HL) and Total Length (TL) measurements 20 Figure Measuring the crocodile tracks 22 Figure Analyzing on the content of the food items 23 Figure The distribution of the Siamese Crocodile in Lao PDR 26 Figure 10: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodile in Nong Bua Ta Lake 27 Figure 11: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodile in Peo Ban Hang (Khun Khe lake System) 28 Figure 12: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodile in Peo Song Hong (Khun Khe lake System) 28 Figure 13: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodiles in Kout Mark Peo Lake 29 Figure 14: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodiles in Nong Paen Lake 29 Figure 15: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodiles in Xe Hack Lake 30 Figure 16: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodiles in Nong Kon Phai Lake 30 Figure 17: Big feces of the species found on grass at Nong Buata Lake 31 Figure 18: Small feces of the species found on grass at Nong Buata Lake 31 Figure 19 Estimation of the Crocodile individuals by interviewed hunters 32 Figure 20 Estimation of the Crocodile individuals by interviewed fishermen 33 Figure 21 The Siamese Crocodile in Peo Ban Hang 34 IV Figure 22 Resting site of the Siamese Crocodile (sun basking), 35 Figure 23 Trail of the Siamese Crocodile on floating mat of grass in Kout Mark Peo Lake 35 Figure 24 Unfinished nest on floating mat of grass in Kout Mark Peo Lake 35 Figure 25 Estimation of the Crocodile individuals by interviewed in Kout Mark Peo Lake 36 Figure 26 A juvenile crocodile at night time in Nong Paen lake 37 Figure 27 Crocodile resting site (sun basking) near a nest in Nong Paen lake 37 Figure28 Crocodile nest with eggs in Nong Paen Lake 37 Figure 29 Estimation of the Crocodile individuals by interviewed in Nong Paen Lake, Tan Soum Village 38 Figure 30 The resting site of the Siamese Crocodile at Nong Kond Phai Lake 39 Figure 31 The Siamese Crocodile trail at the Xe Hack Lake 39 Figure 32 Fecal sample after identified in the laboratory (Savannakhet Province) 41 Figure 33 Fecal sample after identified in the laboratory (Khammuane Province) 41 Figure 34 Suitability habitat of the Siamese Crocodile in Lao PDR 43 Figure 35 Estimate the Percent of threats to the Siamese Crocodile population in Nong Bua Ta Lake 44 Figure 36 Estimate the Percent of threats to the Siamese Crocodile in Peo Ban Hang and Peo Song Hong Lake 45 Figure 37: Estimate the Percent of threats to the Siamese Crocodile population in Kout Mark Peo, Nong Paen, Xe Hack and Nong Kon Phai lakes V 46 List of tables Table1 Contents of Seven Crocodile fecal samples in Laos Table Estimated size of total wild population of C siamensis in 40 Khammuane and Savannakhet Provinces Table Contents of four C siamensis fecal samples from Khammuane and Savannakhet provinces 41 Table Criteria for conservation priorities 49 Table Crocodile observations night time survey at Nong Paen Lake A=adult; J=juvenile 61 Table Summary of day research in Khammuane Province 62 Table Summary of day research in Khammuane Province 63 Table Environmental data variables were used in the model (Bold variables were used in the final model prediction.) 64 Table Datasheet 65 VI INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background Biodiversity loss is one of the most severe crises of the world, because the current rate of species extinction is estimated to be between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate (when humans were not around) (Böhm et al 2013) Major causes of this crisis are related to habitat loss and degradation, unsustainable harvest, introduced invasive species, environmental pollution, disease, and global climate change (Gibbons et al 2000) The Siamese crocodile, Crocodylus siamensis, is one of the most endangered of the world‟s 23 species of crocodilian, a medium size species with a total length less than 3.5 m (Smith 1919) and adult females are normally smaller than 2.7 m (Simpon, 2006) This species historically occurred over mainland of Southeast Asia as well as parts of Indonesia Its current distribution is greatly diminished and fragmented Extant populations are in Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Vietnam; wild populations in Vietnam were possibly extirpated Surveys over the past two decades have failed to detect crocodiles in sites they were reported to occur (Platt and Tri 2000, Stuart et al 2002) except one site, Ha Lam Lake (Phu Yen Province), where at least two individuals were present in 2005 (Nguyen et al 2005) As a result of fewer than 1,000 mature wild individuals in natural distribution, due mainly to habitat loss and over-hunting, the species was listed on Appendix I of CITES, and classified as 'Critically Endangered' on the IUCN Red List (2018) In Lao PDR, the species was widely distributed until the early 1900s Much of the country is mountainous and suitable for crocodile habitats (lakes, ponds swamps and marshes) are mainly restricted to the lowland areas along the Mekong in southern and central Laos (Bezuijen et al 2013) Small breeding populations still persist, but a severe decline in its distribution and now the species is rare or locally extinct at many sites (Bezuijen et al 2013) The species was recorded at 13 sites in river systems, with at least 36 individuals (1-11 per site) (Bezuijen et al 2013) At all sites, crocodile densities and recruitment rates were extremely low Currently, fewer than 300 adult individuals may be present in the wild and the species also was listed “at Risk” as the highest nationally threat ranking in Lao PDR (Bezuijen et al 2006) However, Bezuijen et al 2006 stated that most wetlands in Laos remain unsurveyed for crocodiles and it seems likely that other C siamensis localities will be documented In Khammuane Province, (Bezuijen et al 2013) reported three negative records of the species from Hin Nam No and Nakay-Nam Theun National Protected Areas and two unconfirmed records from the Nam Hin Boun river system (tributaries in Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area, previously “Limestone National Protected Area” in Khammuane Province: one record from in between 1960-1979, and one in between 1980-1999 (Bezuijen et al 2006) According to the latter author no further record could be made in Khammuane in the past 16 years However, (Ziegler et al 2015) discovered an overlooked population of the species in Soc village, Bualapha district, near Hin Nam No National Protected Area However, the knowledge on the distribution, population status and ecology of the species is virtually unknown (Ziegler et al 2015).Therefore, further research is essential for proposing proper species conservation measures 1.2 Goal The goal of this study is to evaluate the population status and ecology of the Siamese Crocodile in Khammuane and Savannakhet provinces, in order to provide baseline information for conservation measures 1.3 Objectives Specific objectives of this study are: - To identify the actual distribution of C siamensis in Khammuane and Savannakhet provinces; Crocodile Management Association of Thailand., 2010 Conservation Status and a Progress Report of the Re-introduction Program of the Siamese Crocodile in Thailand Cox, Jr., J.H and Phothitay, C., 2008 Surveys of the Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR, May-4 June 2008 OZ Minerals Ltd & Wildlife Conservation Society: Vientiane Cox, J.H and Somvongsa, C., 2008 Community-based Crocodile Resource Management Plan for Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR (final draft) OZ Minerals Ltd & Wildlife Conservation Society: Vientiane Daltry, J., Chheang, D., Em, P., Poeung, M., Sam, H., Tan, T., Simpson, B., 2003 Status of the Siamese Crocodile in the Central Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia Fauna Flora Int For Wild Phnom Penh Cambodia Daltry, J., 2000 Siamese crocodiles discovered in the Cardamom Mountains Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 19 (2): 7-8 Daltry, J.C &Thorbjarnarson, J.T., 2004 Siamese Crocodile Conservation in Cambodia Report from the Siamese Crocodile Working Group to the IUCN/ SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland Daltry, J.C.& Starr, A., 2010 Development of a re-introduction and re-enforcement programme for Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia In Global Re-introduction Perspectives: 2010 (ed P Soorae), pp 118–123 IUCN/SSC Re-introduction Specialist Group and Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, UAE Dacey, T., 2008 Rapid survey of Siamese crocodile and Tomistoma in East Kalimantan Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 27(2): 23-24 Garnier, F., 1996 Travels in Cambodia and Part of Laos The Mekong Exploration Commission Report (1866-1868) – Vol White Lotus Press, Bangkok GOL., 2007 Wildlife and Aquatic Law No 07/ NA, 24 December, 2007 Lao People's Democratic Republic National Assembly, Vientiane, Lao PDR 57 Gibbons, J.W., Scott, D.E., Ryan, T.J., Buhlmann, K.A., Tuberville, T.D., Metts, B.S., Greene J.L., Mills, T., Leiden, Y., Poppy, S and Winne C.T., 2000 The global decline of reptiles, déjà vu amphibians Bio Science, 50:653–666 Han, S., Leng, H., Ratanapich, N., Piseth, S., Sovannara, H., simpson, b., starr, a., brook, s., frechette, j.l., daltry, j.c., 2015 Status, distribution and ecology of the Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis in Cambodia Cambodian Journal Natural History 2015, 153–164 Jelden, D.C., Manolis, C., Giam, H., Thomson, J & Lopez, A.,2005 Crocodile Conservation and Recommendations Management IUCN/SSC in Cambodia: Crocodile a Specialist Review Group, with Gland, Switzerland Jenny C Daltry, Chheang Dany, Em Phal, Poeung Mora,, Sam Han, Sonn Pisith, Tan Thara and Boyd Simpson, 2003 Status of the Siamese crocodile in the central and southern cardamom mountains, Cambodia Findings of Recent “Kropeu Phnom” Surveys Kreetiyutanont, K., 1993 Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis Schneider, 1801) in Khao Ang Ru Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society 41: 135-137 Murphy, D.J., Phan Duy Thuc and Nguyen Thanh Long (2004) The Siamese crocodile re-establishment programme in Cat Tien National Park, Vietnam 1999-2004 Technical Report No 48 Cat Tien National Park Conservation Project Merow, C., Smith, M J., Silander, J A Jr 2013.,A practical guide to MaxEnt formodeling species‟ distributions: what it does, and why inputs and settings matter Ecography 36: 1058-1069 doi: 10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.07872.x Nguyen Xuan, V., Vu Ngoc, L., Simpson, B.K., Ngo Van, T., Lai Tung, Q., Huynh Xuan, Q and Vo Van, D., 2005 Status of the freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in Song Hinh District, Phu Yen Province, Vietnam 58 Institute of Tropical Biology and Fauna & Flora International: Cambodia Programme, Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen, T.T., Ziegler, T., Rauhaus, A., Nguyen, T.Q., Tran, D.T.A., Wayakone, S., Luu, V.Q., Vences, M and Le, M.D., 2018 Genetic screening of Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Laos and Vietnam: Identifying purebred individuals for conservation and release programs Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 37(3): 8-14 Phothitay C and Somphanith., 2003 Crocodile Survey Report of Wetland areas in Savannakhet and Attapeu Provinces Living Aquatic Resources Research Central (LARReC), National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Vientiane Peterson, A T., Papes, M., Eaton, M., 2007 Transferability and model evolution in ecological niche modeling: a comparison of GARP and MAXENT Ecography 30: 550-560 Phillips, S J., Dudík, M., Schapire, R E., 201.Maxent software for modeling species niches and distributions (Version3.4.1).http://biodiversity informatics amnh.org/ open source/ maxent/ Accessed October 2017 Souvannasy, P., Luu, Q.V., Soudthichak, S., Wayakone, S., Le, M., Department of Herpetology, USA., Nguyen, T.Q., Ziegler, T., 2018 Evidence of Another Overlooked Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) Population in Khammuane Province, Central Lao PDR Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 37(3): 7-9 Steven G Platt., 2012 Community-based Crocodile Conservation in Lao PDR Simpson, B., 2006 Siamese Crocodile Survey and Monitoring Handbook: An Introduction for Conservation Workers in Cambodia Fauna &Flora International: Cambodia Programme, Phnom Penh, Cambodia Thorbjarnarson, J.B., 2003 Conservation of Siamese Crocodiles in Lao PDR Report of a trip to review the situation concerning the Critically Endangered 59 Siamese crocodile and recommendations Wildlife Conservation Society Gainesville Temsiripong, Y., 2001 Reintroduction of the Siamese Crocodile Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 20 (1): 10-12 Tran, V., Vu, T., Tran, Q., Nguyen, T., Ta, T., Ha, T., Nguyen, H., 2018.Predicting Suitable Distribution for an Endemic, Rare and Threatened Species (Grey Shanked Douc Langur, Pygathrix Cinerea Nadler, 1997) Using MaxEnt Model Appl Ecol Environ Res 16, 1275–1291 Van Zalinge, N., 2002 Update on the status of the Cambodian inland capture fisheries sector with special reference to the Tonle Sap Great Lake Catch Cult 8, 1–5 Van Zalinge, N., Nao, S., Touch, S., Deap, L., 2000 Where there is water, there is fish Cambodian fisheries issues in a Mekong River basin perspective There is water there is fish cambodian fish Issues Mekong River Basin Prospect 37– 48 Ziegler, T., Luu, V.Q., Soudthichak, S and Nguyen, T.Q (2015) Rediscovery of the Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in Khammouane Province, central Lao PDR Crocodile Specialist Group Newsletter 34(3): 11-13 https://www.hoglezoo.org/meet_our_animals/animal_finder/siamese_crocodile/ 60 APPENDIX Appendix Table5 Datasheet of nighttime research in Savannakhet Province A=adult; J=juvenile No Locations Night counting Signs (observation) Juvenile Sizes (estimation) Length (cm) Adult Kout Mark Peo Lake NongPaen Lake Nong Kon Phai Lake Xe Hack Lake Width (cm) Direct observatio n (Juveniles) 11 56 56 56 3 1 1 61 Direct observati on (Adults) 11+ 3+ 1+ 0 Table Summary of daytime research in Khammuane Province No Locations Nong Buata Lake Peo Ban hang Lake Peo Ban hang Lake Peo Song Hong Lake GPS location Date of survey 17° 27' 13''-105° 34' 50'' 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 13-May-18 19-May-18 20-May-18 30-May-18 17° 27' 13''-105° 34' 50'' 31-May-18 17° 27' 16'' -105° 35' 15'' 01-Jun-18 17° 31' 03''-105° 34' 22'' Day search Signs Dung Tracks Trails Holes Sizes Resting site Adult (Crocodiles) Length (cm) Width (cm) 510 400 700 350 40 51 60 43 51 40 200 150 250 200 11 350 350 1 1 1 1 1 1 14 62 5.6 height Table Summary of day research in Savannakhet Province Day search No Locations GPS location Date of survey 11-Apr-18 Dung Tracks Trails Kout Mark Peo Lake 16° 21‟ 17‟‟- 105° 12‟ 58‟‟ Sizes (estimation) Nests Crocodiles 07-Jun-18 Signs Resting(sun basking) 1 Length (cm) Width (cm) 620 410 07-Jun-18 500 50 07-Jun-18 300 47 07-Jun-18 450 46 09-Jun-18 120 16-Jun-18 500 60 16-Jun-18 470 55 420 150 21-Jun-18 Nong Paen Lake 16° 20‟ 45‟‟- 105° 12‟ 57‟‟ 21-Jun-18 16° 21‟ 32‟‟-105° 13‟ 33‟‟ 23-Jun-18 12-Jun-18 Nong Kond Phai Lake Xe Hack Lake 16° 21‟ 35‟‟-105° 12‟ 55‟‟ 1 1 150 140 250 150 40 60 50 24-Jun-18 451 49 26-Jun-18 350 51 63 Height Table Environmental data variables were used in the model (Bold variables were used in the final model prediction.) Variables Source Data type BIO1 = Annual Mean Temperature BIO2 = Mean Diurnal Range (Mean of monthly =max temp - temp) BIO3 = Isothermality (BIO2/BIO7) (* 100) BIO4 = Temperature Seasonality (standard deviation *100) BIO7 = Temperature Annual Range (BIO5-BIO6) Worldclim Continuous landcover.usgs.gov iscgm.org earthexplorer.usgs.gov srtm.csi.cgiar.org Calculated from SRTM in ArcMap Calculated from SRTM in ArcMap Categorical Categorical Continuous Continuous BIO12 = Annual Precipitation BIO14 = Precipitation of Driest Month BIO15 = Precipitation Seasonality (Coefficient of Variation) BIO18 = Precipitation of Warmest Quarter BIO19 = Precipitation of Coldest Quarter LcT ype = Land cover Tree Cover = Percent Tree coverage NDVI Elevation Aspect Slope (%) 64 Continuous Continuous Appendix CROCODILE SURVEY (DAY-TIME) PROVINCE: DISTRICT: RIVER SYSTEM: SITE: GPS location: DATE: SURVEY TEAM (names): DAYTIME SEARCH RESULTS Type of sign* GPS location (N/E) Dist from water body (m) Size** Notes *choose: Trail (includes tracks, haul-out points) / Dung / Nest / Crocodile / Other (describe) **if dung, measure length x width (cm) SEARCH AREA Length (1) (m) = Width (1) (m) = Length (2) (m) = Width (2) (m) = SEARCH EFFORT Start time Finish time No people (if searching different areas) Total person-hours: ADDITIONAL FAUNA OBSERVATIONS Date Species No GPS location (for Notes threatened species 65 Observer WATERBODY AND RESOURCE USE DATA FORM SITE: GPS location: DATE: SURVEY TEAM (names): Water body (circle): natural / artificial (earth) / artificial (dam) Duration (circle): permanent / seasonal Wetland classification (Claridge1996):………………………………………….Nearest village:…………………… …………………… Under land ownership of (list village):…… ………………… Wetland structure and vegetation Perimeter (m): % Open water: Length (m): % Aquatic weed invasion: Width (m): Substrate (circle): mud / sand / gravel Depth (m): % Mimosa within m of bank: %cover ground layer: NTFPs harvested in wetland: %cover canopy: height ground layer (m): height tree canopy (m): Bank side habitat and land use within 50 m of water body Category %cover (must %under storey cover Canopy Notes (eg Mimosa add up to (from 100% in each height present?) What 100%) category) (m) NTFPs are harvested? Forest Woodland Savannah Shrub land Cleared land/road Irrigated Rice (channels from swamp) Rain-fed Rice Resource use at wetland Fish traps? Y / N Hooks? Y/N Fishing months (list): Nets? Y/N Fishing for: Subsistence and/or Local trade and/or External trade No households fishing at Wildlife hunting 66 wetland: Timber logging w/in 50 m of water body: Subsistence and/or Local trade and/or External trade Water body is No village buffalo: water source for cattle? Y / N No seasonal No permanent huts at water homes at water body: body: (circle): Subsistence and/or Local trade and/or External trade Fuel wood collection w/in 50 m of water body: Yes / No No village %area grazed by Cattle access to water cows: domestic cattle: body restricted in any months? (list): %cover w/in 50 m of water Fire used to clear land body burnt in last yrs for agri/other purposes? = % Y / N List any village resource regulations for wetland: ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… General habitat description/notes:………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 67 CROCODILE SURVEY FORM (NIGHT-TIME) PROVINCE: DATE: START TIME: DISTRICT: FINISH TIME: RIVER SYSTEM: TOTAL KM: SITE: START LOCATION GPS: SURVEYOR: DRIVER: Km from mouth: Description: NAVIGATOR: METHOD (circle): EQUIPMENT (circle): walk / canoe / speedboat and engine HP: / 15 / 40 Torch / Spotlight FINISH LOCATION GPS: Km from mouth: Description: HABITAT: SURVEY CONDITIONS Cloud cover Rain Moon Tide If no tidal influence (Circle) 1/4 (=no cloud) 2/4 3/4 4/4 (=full cloud) none light moderate heavy none ¼ full >half full high low no tidal influence water levels high water levels low water levels medium Air temperature (0C) Water temperature (0C) 68 Km from Coordinates mouth (map/GPS) Species Size (ES=eyeshine) (ft) Position* Time Notes (e.g habitat) *Position: OB – On Bank; MS – Mid-Stream; SWOE – Shallow Water On Edge 69 Interview form for the village PROVINCE: DISTRICT: VILLAGE: GPS LOCATION: DATE OF VISIT: Nearest wetland site: Name of interviewer: Name of person interviewed: 1.) Have you ever seen the Crocodile? Yes / No 2.) Please describe what a crocodile look like How many forms or species occur in the area? _ _ 3.) What is the local name for crocodile? _ 4.) When is the last time you saw a crocodile? Month: year: 5.) Where did you last see a crocodile? Describe location site name, closest village _ _ 6.) Have you ever seen a crocodile nest? Y/N if yes, when? Month: year: 7.) Please describe the nest – shape; size; number of eggs; female at nest? _ _ 8.) What are the uses of crocodile for local people? Eat meat? Y / N eat eggs? Y / N Sell skin? Y / N Residents afraid of crocodiles? Y / N Has anyone ever been eaten by a crocodile? Y / N _ _ 9.) Beliefs What are the local beliefs associated with crocodiles? Are there crocodile shamans? _ _ 70 10.) What kind of threats to the population of Siamese Crocodile? _ _ _ _ 11.) Notes _ _ _ _ _ _ 71 ... Measuring the crocodile tracks 22 Figure Analyzing on the content of the food items 23 Figure The distribution of the Siamese Crocodile in Lao PDR 26 Figure 10: Habitat of the Siamese Crocodile in. .. Ecology of the Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) in Central Lao PDR Major: Forest Science Code: 8620201 MASTER THESIS IN FOREST SCIENCE Academic advisor: Dr Luu Quang Vinh Prof Dr Thomas... provinces 1.4 Hypotheses In the present the populations of Siamese Crocodile were quite to extinction in Southeast Asia, the importance of the Siamese Crocodile is one cause to study and indentify