Endangered Siamese Crocodile Captured in Yeoju Transferred to National Institute of Ecology

A critically endangered Siamese crocodile, captured in the Soyangcheon stream in Yeoju, South Korea, has been transferred to the National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon County, Chungcheongnam Province. The Yeoju City government decided to expedite the transfer due to the crocodile's high ecological value and the need for immediate, specialized care and management.

City officials explained that while the plan was to send the crocodile to the National Institute of Ecology by July 30 if no owner appeared, they expedited the transfer in consultation with the institute to protect the endangered species. The 80 cm long crocodile was captured by firefighters on July 18 after a pedestrian reported its presence.

Analysis by the National Institute of Biological Resources confirmed the species as a Siamese crocodile, which is listed as Critically Endangered (Level 1) by CITES due to its dwindling breeding population. These crocodiles primarily inhabit riverbanks and swamps in Southeast Asia, with adults known to grow up to 4 meters long. The import and breeding of such endangered species are strictly regulated, and illegal trade or abandonment carries legal penalties.

The city had been searching for the owner since July 20 through public notices for abandoned animals, but no contact has been made to date. Meanwhile, police are continuing their investigation to identify the owner and the crocodile's entry route. They are analyzing CCTV footage from the area where the crocodile was found and checking import registration records for crocodile species.

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We planned to send it to the National Institute of Ecology by July 30 if no owner appeared, but we expedited the transfer in consultation with the institute for the sake of protecting an endangered species.