Crocodile Captured in Soyangcheon, Yeoju Confirmed to Be Siamese Crocodile, an International Endangered Species

The crocodile captured in Soyangcheon in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, has been confirmed to be a Siamese crocodile, an internationally endangered species. Yeoju City said on the 21st that it sent photos and videos to the National Institute of Biological Resources for analysis, and as a result, the crocodile was determined to be a Siamese crocodile, native to Southeast Asia. The Siamese crocodile is a species listed in CITES Appendix I as its population has declined due to overhunting and habitat destruction. On the morning of the 18th at around 11:27 a.m., the fire authorities were dispatched after receiving a report saying, "There is something like a pet crocodile in Soyangcheon, Yeoju," and captured it about 30 minutes later. It is currently being temporarily sheltered by Yeoju City at a privately entrusted animal protection center, and the city plans to look for its owner during the 10day notice period.