AFP 20 May 05 Endangered, harmless Siamese crocodiles found in Laos
Hanoi (AFP): A critically endangered species of harmless crocodile has been found in southern Laos, an international conservation organisation said.
"A survey teams discovery of a small breeding population of Siamese crocodiles marks the first time that hatchlings of the species have been observed in Laos," the Mekong Wetlands Biodiversity Programme said in a statement received in Hanoi.
The colony was found in Savannakhet province, it said.
"The harmless Siamese crocodile (crocodylus siamensis) is among the worlds most threatened crocodilians, and is ranked as 'critically endangered' by IUCN -- the World Conservation Union," the release said.
Alvin Lopez, wetland ecologist of the programme, told AFP the species had become endanged because its population was scattered and was being traded in the east Asian region.
Crocodile farming is a lucrative activity in the region, with the meat sold to restaurants and the skin used to make boots and leather garments.
Endangered, harmless Siamese crocodiles found in Laos