On the Habitat of Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) in Phetchaburi River, Kaeng Krachan National Park, Phetchaburi Province, Western Thailand
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Abstract
The freshwater crocodile or Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a critically endangered species, with the Kaeng Krachan National Park playing a crucial role in its long-term conservation. This study aimed to investigate the habitat of Siamese crocodiles along the Phetchaburi River using direct observations, camera traps, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Over the course of nine rafting trips conducted between January and December 2022, covering a total distance of 315 km, which resulted in a recorded total of 68 encounters with the Siamese crocodiles or an encounter rate of 0.22 per km. The estimated population of Siamese crocodiles consisted of only four individuals. The study identified several environmental factors that influenced the crocodile distribution, with slope, elevation, forest type, cumulative upstream flow rate, and land use pattern ranked in order of importance. These findings underscore the significance of the Phetchaburi River area for the conservation of freshwater crocodile as indicated by a reliability score of 0.99 (SD=0.02). To ensure the successful conservation of Siamese crocodiles, important recommendations include habitat protection. Additionally, the development of a crocodile threat surveillance system, ongoing population studies, and community involvement are essential for sustainable conservation practices, public awareness campaigns, captive breeding and reintroduction programs, and population restoration efforts. This research provides valuable insights into the habitats and environmental factors impacting the survival of freshwater crocodiles, highlighting the critical role of preserving Kaeng Krachan National Park as a sanctuary for this species.
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ข้าพเจ้าและผู้เขียนร่วม (ถ้ามี) ขอรับรองว่า ต้นฉบับที่เสนอมานี้ยังไม่เคยได้รับการตีพิมพ์และไม่ได้อยู่ในระหว่างกระบวนการพิจารณาตีพิมพ์ลงในวารสารหรือสิ่งตีพิมพ์อื่นใด ข้าพเจ้าและผู้เขียนร่วม (ถ้ามี) ยอมรับหลักเกณฑ์และเงื่อนไขการพิจารณาต้นฉบับ ทั้งยินยอมให้กองบรรณาธิการมีสิทธิ์พิจารณาและตรวจแก้ต้นฉบับได้ตามที่เห็นสมควร พร้อมนี้ขอมอบลิขสิทธิ์ผลงานที่ได้รับการตีพิมพ์ให้แก่วารสารวนศาสตร์ คณะวนศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ กรณีมีการฟ้องร้องเรื่องการละเมิดลิขสิทธิ์เกี่ยวกับภาพ กราฟ ข้อความส่วนใดส่วนหนึ่ง หรือ ข้อคิดเห็นที่ปรากฏในผลงาน ให้เป็นความรับผิดชอบของข้าพเจ้าและผู้เขียนร่วม (ถ้ามี) แต่เพียงฝ่ายเดียว และหากข้าพเจ้าและผู้เขียนร่วม (ถ้ามี) ประสงค์ถอนบทความในระหว่างกระบวนการพิจารณาของทางวารสาร ข้าพเจ้าและผู้เขียนร่วม (ถ้ามี) ยินดีรับผิดชอบค่าใช้จ่ายทั้งหมดที่เกิดขึ้นในกระบวนการพิจารณาบทความนั้น”
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