Facts about Mekong River Crocodiles

1. 07

   Habitat loss from dam construction and water extraction has reduced suitable breeding grounds for Mekong River Crocodiles by over 90 percent since the 1970s.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14shareconservationhabitatdecline
2. 06

   In 1999, Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains population of Mekong River Crocodiles numbered approximately 20 individuals before intensive conservation efforts began.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14shareconservationpopulationhistory
3. 05

   Eggs of Mekong River Crocodiles require approximately 70-80 days of incubation at temperatures between 31-32 degrees Celsius to successfully hatch.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14sharereproductionbiologytemperature
4. 04

   Saltwater crocodiles killed an estimated 300 Mekong River Crocodiles during the 1970s through competition and predation in shared Southeast Asian waterways.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14sharepredationhistoryconservation
5. 03

   Adult Mekong River Crocodiles typically reach lengths of 9-10 feet, making them significantly smaller than saltwater crocodiles which can exceed 20 feet.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14sharebiologymeasurementcomparison
6. 02

   The Cambodian government established the Tonle Sap River protected area in 2006 specifically to preserve critical Mekong River Crocodile breeding habitat.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14shareconservationgeographyhabitat
7. 01

   Fewer than 250 Mekong River Crocodiles remain in the wild, making them among the world's most critically endangered reptiles.

   Mekong River CrocodilesMay 14shareconservationendangeredmeasurement