Habitat Suitability of Upper Huai Palan Seua Reservoir, Phu Chong Nayoi National Park, Ubon Ratchathani Province for Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) Restoration

Abstract

The study on habitat suitability of Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) was carried out at Upper Huai Palan suea Reservoir, Phu Chong Nayoi National Park during October 2015 to September 2016. The objective were to inves tigate species diversity of bird and mammal which were potential preys for Siamese crocodile. Based on camera trapping technique, direct observed,tracks and signs identification were applied for data collection. Habitat suitability factors related to crocodile were evaluated.

The results reflected that several species of wildlife for Siamese crocodile preys, there were at leas t 18 mammals which were composed of golden jackal with its relative abundance(RA) 13.4%, Eurasian wild boar 4.1%, rat 3.3%, Indochinese ground squirrel 2.5% and large Indian civet 2.5%, respectively. The available birds for crocodile preys were found at leas t 29 species, namely greater coucal with its RA 100%, jungle fowl 83.3% and oriental darter 83.3%,respectively. The birds with high density were composed of whis tling - duck, oriental darter and cotton teal. The fish preys for crocodile were found at least 14 species. Abundance of prey species could be supporting for crocodile survival when comparing to adult crocodile consumed for each 3 kg/time. On the environment condition, drawndown areas had low slope gradient (0 - 30 degrees) and appearing scattered around the reservoir. Including the shoal area for crocodile nes ting was at the mid part of the reservoir. While exis ting lean lumbers were suitable for sunbathing. Water depth was available for crocodile living throughout the year. The knowledge gains from this study could be applied for restoration and conservation the Siamese crocodile in this National Park and other potential Protected Areas in Thailand.