“Very little is known about this species,” explained zoologist Anthony Pine, regarding the endangered Tomistoma crocodile. “There’s not much long-term funding for research and conservation.” Pine studied zoology and marine biology at college in Queensland, Australia, but now focusses on raising awareness for the Tomistoma species.
As part of his effort to raise awareness, Pine gives talks at local schools. “It’s kind of scary that we don’t know enough to conserve it,” he told an honors biology class at John W. North High School in Riverside, CA.
The class’ teacher, Lara Soldmann, was thoroughly impressed with Pine’s lecture. “He easily and quickly conveyed to students how you can’t go into any place and just tell them to stop killing crocodiles,” she explained. “You have to try to take a team approach and help them understand the need for a more sustainable planet.”
The Tomistoma species can grow up to 16 feet. “It’s unique,” Pine said. “Its coloration is unlike any other crocodile.” They have dark brown blotches along their bodies, and their snouts are slender. “The species can be true giants … The largest egg and skull of any crocodile living today is from this species.” Unfortunately, there could be fewer than 2,500 Tomistoma crocodiles left on the planet.
In order to better understand the habitat of this species, Pine travelled to Malaysia. The trip was funded by The Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, a United Arab Emirates-based charity. He explored swamps and rivers where the endangered species has been spotted with GPS tracking equipment. Among many saltwater crocs, Pine only saw one Tomistoma during his trip.
Although he didn’t see many Tomistoma, the trip was successful in other ways. Pine made important contacts in Malaysia who are interested in collaborating on more extensive study of the species and habitat. They may use GPS devices to track individual Tomistoma crocodiles in order to gather more information about what is needed to conserve this endangered species.
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GPS Technology Used In Tomistoma Crocodile Conservation
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