Tomistoma schlegelii

(Müller, 1838)

Vernacular names
English : Malayan gharial
French : Faux-gavial de Malaisie

Classification
Class : Reptilia
Order : Crocodylia
Family : Crocodylidae
Notes : No subspecies known, sometimes placed in Gavialidae family.

Identification
One of the biggest crocodilian species with adults males reaching over 5 meters in length. Triangular head, very elongated and thick snout. Two rows of spiny scales on nape and back. Coloration is usually uniform brown with cream belly.

Range and habitat
The species occurs in South-east Asia, from south Vietnam and south Thailand to peninsular Malaysia, to Java, Borneo, Sumatra and Sulawesi. Lives in lowland swamps, rivers and lakes.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : VULNERABLE
CITES : Appendix I
Status : The species could be uplisted to Endangered soon because of continuous declines and fragmentation of wild populations because of habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : SSP in America, ESB in Europe

Observation

 

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