Senyulong Crocodile Conservation
Tracking, Researching, and Preserving the Future of Tomistoma schlegelii
What’s our project and where’s it heading?
The Senyulong crocodile (Tomistoma schlegelii), also known as the False Gharial, is one of Indonesia’s most elusive and endangered freshwater predators. Found in swamp forests and peatlands, its population continues to decline due to habitat destruction, human encroachment, and limited conservation awareness. At KONKLUSI, we are dedicated to ensuring the survival of this unique species through scientific research, habitat protection, and community engagement.
Since 2022, our Senyulong Project has been dedicated to tracking and monitoring the movements of Senyulong crocodiles in Berbak-Sembilang National Park and its surrounding areas. Through field surveys, GPS tracking, and habitat analysis, we aim to better understand the species’ behavior and threats.
By working closely with local communities and conservation partners such as Berbak-Sembilang National Park and Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (The National Research and Innovation Agency – BRIN), we strive to enhance conservation efforts. This long-term project is proudly funded by The IUCN-SSC Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG), Wildlife Conservation Network, Zoological Society of Hertfordshire, and Conservation Connect.
Our Past Study in 2022-2023
In 2022-2023, we have started this study to look for informations about Senyulong Crocodile’s (Tomistoma schlegelii) lives and habits based on their movement in Berbak-Sembilang National Park. We successfully installed GPS tag for 5 Senyulong Crocodiles. They are Bujang, Mentek, Daus, Jaki, and JonBro.
In past study, We found that estimated home range: ~448.2 hectares (using the 95% Minimum Convex Polygon method), but some crocodiles showed restricted movement, while others traveled farther than expected.
Latest Tomistoma Discoveries in 2024
In October 2024, a total of eight traps were installed to capture and track Senyulong Crocodiles in Berbak-Sembilang National Park. These traps were strategically placed in two key areas known for high crocodile activity: As Buaya Area – Four traps and Kamp Panjang Area – Four traps
From eight traps, we have successfully installed GPS tag for new 3 Senyulong Crocodiles and reinstalled new GPS tag for Mentek. We gave names to new 3 Crocodiles: Kote, Salma, and Iding. Totally we had 8 GPS-tracked Crocodiles in Berbak-Sembilang National Park since 2022. One of our new crocodiles, named Iding, traveled 8.7 km from Kamp Panjang to Kuala T—marking the farthest movement recorded in our study so far. A female Senyulong Crocodile, Salma, was successfully GPS-tagged, helping us understand how both males and females use their habitats.
We’ll continue monitoring our crocodiles over the next two years to uncover more secrets about their movements and how to better protect their habitat!
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