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CROCODOPOLIS world of crocodilians TM SCIENCE · CULTURE · INDUSTRY · NEWS · COMMUNICATION · CONSERVATION
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CONSERVATION
June 10, 2008 Tomistoma Task Force
A meeting on a unique and endangered crocodile species From 24-28 May 2008 crocodile
experts from various fields met in Participants included governmental officials from
range states ( Mr. Uthen Youngprapakorn hosted
this workshop at the Mr. Youngprapakorn is also the
owner of Utairatch Crocodile Farm in
Tomistoma schlegelii,
which can attain 5.5m in total length, represents perhaps the most
ancient of today’s 23 existing crocodilians.
Despite the fact that it was first
described as a species in 1838, little is still known of its biological
traits and ecological habits. Field and status reports on the
species were presented for the range states of West and East Malaysia,
Sumatra, the Kalimantan provinces and TTF members also presented the results of their fund
raising and public awareness campaign undertaken over the past five
years. The major threat the Tomistoma
is currently the conversion of wetlands into agro-ecosystems, and
destructive fires following degradation of habitats from illegal
logging. A presentation by TRAFFIC The workshop emphasized the need for continued field
studies in the range states, in concert with well managed captive
breeding operations... These accomplishments are of fundamental need
prior to any release/relocation programs of the species, as emphasized
by experts from the IUCN/SSC Crocodile Specialist Group. The workshop resulted in
detailed discussions in three important areas, priorities for field
research and conservation, captive management, and the development of
regional and international partnerships for research, training and fund
raising.
The results of these discussions will be
used by the participants to develop a detailed conservation action plan
for this species in the years to follow The species is believed to be extinct in southern Field studies, including
exploration of new regions with potential Tomistoma habitat, are
underway.
Since Tomistoma is a key indicator of the
existence of intact peat swamp forest communities, this spectacular but
secretive reptile should be included as an integral part of the
conservation campaigns for these habitats, and to strengthen regional
and international support for its conservation. Further information on the
Tomistoma and the TTF Workshop can be found at
www.tomistoma.org. ^ BACK TO TOP
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Wild Malayan Gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii). (Photo: F. Wayne King/Crocodile Specialist Group.) .
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