Phuket beach-touring croc a ‘saltie’, DNA tests confirm

By The Phuket News

 

The crocodile, now confirmed to be a saltwater speciies, also now has a microchip implanted just before its tail. Photo; PR Dept

 

PHUKET:-- The crocodile caught at Layan Beach in July has been confirmed by DNA tests to be a saltwater species, Phuket Governor Norraphat Plodthong announced today (Sept 18).

 

The crocodile, now being kept in an enclosure at the marine life research centre at Baan Laem Sai in Mai Khao, Thalang, was caught on July 29 near the rocks off Koh Kata, just offshore from Layan Beach, after it eluded capture for 11 days.

 

The confirmation that the crocodile is a saltwater species now allows the Department of Fisheries to decide where the crocodile is to be relocated to, Gov Norraphat explained at the Governor Meets the Press conference at Phuket Provincial Hall today.

 

Full Story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-beach-touring-croc-a-saltie-dna-tests-confirm-68675.php#Lrq4PQh8qQxhhc8M.97

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2018-9-18

The croc only eats chicken and refuses fish, I'd like to know where they will decide to relocate it... near a KFC?

A month to do a DNA test,  that's a long time in Thailand. 

 

A committee to make a decision on it's future,  very Thai. 

1 hour ago, arithai12 said:

The croc only eats chicken and refuses fish, I'd like to know where they will decide to relocate it... near a KFC?

I can see it ordering now: "Give me a chicken burger and make it snappy,"
 

A "saltie" wow, someone should remind them freshwater crocs die quickly in salt water, there bodies cannot breakdown the salt.

9 hours ago, Oziex1 said:

A month to do a DNA test,  that's a long time in Thailand. 

 

A committee to make a decision on it's future,  very Thai. 

DNA tests take longer in the UK! We're still waiting!

2 hours ago, Aussie999 said:

A "saltie" wow, someone should remind them freshwater crocs die quickly in salt water, there bodies cannot breakdown the salt.

Saltie is a misnomer, estuarine is correct. They can live in both waters.

3 hours ago, Chassa said:

Saltie is a misnomer, estuarine is correct. They can live in both waters.

and commonly called salties.... geez

Why was it in these waters ? Is this an extension of the shark in Hua Hin  and off limits beaches on Samui because of box type jelly invasions ... are we doomed ? Has the croc been able to offer an explanation , or have a note on it when it was captured. Or was it a pet  chicken fed croc that escaped from a shoe and belt factory ! 

On 9/19/2018 at 11:43 AM, Aussie999 said:

and commonly called salties.... geez

Not geez, just a bit of education, sorry if I offended.

On ‎9‎/‎18‎/‎2018 at 10:04 PM, arithai12 said:

The croc only eats chicken and refuses fish, I'd like to know where they will decide to relocate it... near a KFC?

That diet is of note because it indicates a captive upbringing.