More on the Khao Yai Crocs

Referring back to the story of the crocodile sighting in Khao Yai National Park in Nakhon Ratchasima. It now appears that crocodiles have never naturally occurred in the area which adds credibility to the supposition that they are escapees (or planted?).

As I previously stated these animals have been there for two years now, have figured on tour guides agendas, and only just come to the attention of the authorities. The campsite in the area has now been closed and warning signs erected.

It is somewhat disturbing to learn that eggs have been found (though I suppose it is just possible these came from a Monitor Lizard). If however the crocodiles have started to breed (there are two 6' specimens) then action needs to be taken now. As 'escapees' they are almost certainly hybrids and as such do not need any degree of protection. They want removing by the authorities asap.

Or is there another agenda at work here? A subtle 'advertising' campaign to attract more visitors to the park? I would be willing to bet that the number of visitors to the area have already increased ten fold. After all it worked for the infamous Tiger Temple so why not here but with crocodiles.

A Warning Too Late?

Crocodile Warning



This little snippet appeared in todays edition (4th September 2009) of the Bangkok Post. Wow, I thought, that is exciting news. Then I thought back to the article I wrote about the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo. These are surely escapes. You cannot have thousands of captive crocodiles dotted all over the country without escapes.

A little bit of research showed that this was far from new news. Crocodiles were spotted and photographed in the park back in 2007!

and discuussed in the Thai Expat and Birding Groups. There was even a clip of very poor video taken:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XA74dQqcDTM

It would be really nice to think that one of the World's rarest crocodiles Crocodylus siamensis had been overlooked. Scientific investigation would be worthwhile.