Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello

I was hoping members of this forum could tell me a little about the status of C. rhombifer and C. siamensis after spending a while reading some of the threads it seems there are some very highly experienced members here.

It is well documented that these two species have suffered heavily from hybridisation with other species in the genus. What I have been unable to establish is if there are any pure animals left particularly of those of C. siamensis ?

With regard to the Cuban Crocodiles have any DNA studies ever been carried out of the populations in the Farms ?
Are the animals in the SSP genetically pure and does the SSP work with any farms ?

I know that DNA analysis was carried out of Siamese crocs released into the wild but are there any (and if so how many) 100% pure Siamese crocodiles in captivity ?

All information would be appreciated.

Thanks

According to a survey done by the Crocodile Specialist Group C. rhombifer is doing quite well in the wild[3,000-5,000]. Most hybridizing species occurs in captivity and NOT in the wild. There are many reasons for this too lengthy to explain here. As for C. siamensis I know that Uthen told me he produces many hundreds of pure C. siamensis at Samut Prakan annually. He has a standing offer to the government of Thailand to give them stock for reintroduction if they have a place where they would be protected. Thus far to the best of my knowledge this has not happened. Certainly there are more C. siamensis in captivity than in the wild. C. rhombifer is in much better shape in the wild and on farms. In the 1990's I produced myself over 200 baby Cuban Crocs and in Cuba I believe several thousand are held on farms in addition to the wild population. If you would like more info contact the Crocodile Specialist Group on line and I'm sure they have much more current info..thanks....TC