Siamese crocodile caught in Yeoju stream, exposing exotic pet risks

A crocodile caught in a stream in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, has been identified as a Siamese crocodile, reviving concerns over abandoned exotic pets threatening Korea's ecosystem. The city of Yeoju said Tuesday that an analysis by the National Institute of Biological Resources confirmed the animal as a Siamese crocodile. It is listed as a Class 1 internationally endangered species under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

The crocodile, measuring 50 centimeters, was captured Saturday after the fire department received a report of what appeared to be a pet crocodile. It is now being temporarily housed at a privately run animal protection center under the city's care. Adult Siamese crocodiles typically grow 2 to 3 meters long and inhabit rivers and swamps across Southeast Asia.

Poaching and habitat destruction have driven down their population, prompting international restrictions on commercial trade in the species. Yeoju initially planned to post a notice and search for the owner over a 10-day period, but is now reportedly weighing how to h