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BUAYA (Estuarine Crocodile) BREATHING

on 8th July 2016

“Nostrils fascinate me, especially among wild creatures, which exhibit a wide diversity of designs for different purposes. In April 2016, I was momentarily mesmerised by the nose of an Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus, aka Buaya in Malay), as it was making its presence felt in the wild waters of Sungei Buloh (above).

“Its semi-circular nostrils could be closed (above) and open (below) at will to allow for inhalation and exhalation.

“A video clip of this local Buaya breathing at the water surface may be previewed as follows:”

Dr. Leong Tzi Ming
Singapore
15th June 2016

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

Other posts by YC Wee

3 Responses

  1. It is important for the Buaya to be able to shut its nasal valves tightly, especially when diving underwater, so as to keep the water out. Otherwise, its lungs might get flooded.

    So far, humans have not developed this ability just yet, as we have not spent enough time in the waters . . .

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