Hong Kong ( CNN ) -- Chinese police intercepted more than 3,600 crocodiles last week that were destined for dinner plates in the country 's Guangdong province . The Siamese crocodiles were seized Tuesday in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region after they crossed over the China-Vietnam border , according to reports in the Chinese state-run Xinhua news agency . Officials believe they were headed for restaurants in southern China -- known for its exotic dining options . Several of the crocodiles died from heatstroke during transportation , officials said , while the others are being treated by veterinarians . The Siamese crocodile , which can grow as long as 13 feet ( 3.96 meters ) is one of the world 's most endangered reptiles , according to the World Wildlife Fund . Hunting and habitat disruption has led the species to near extinction in the wild but they are extensively farmed in Thailand and Cambodia . Zheng Yuanying of the Green Eye of China environmental protection group told Britain 's The Guardian that a strong black market has persisted in the region despite government efforts to crack down on exotic animal smuggling . `` Although people all know it is illegal to eat these wild creatures , they will still eat them as long as the market sells them . What 's needed is a long-term , stronger campaign to explain to people why they should n't eat crocodile , '' he said . Earlier this month , China met with other Asian countries to enhance collaboration between countries to combat illegal wildlife trafficking , according to a report by TRAFFIC , a wildlife trade monitoring network . The provinces of Yunnan , Guangxi and Guangdong in southern China accounted for 68.3 % of the national trafficking total in 2011 , according to the report .
Chinese police intercepted more than 3,600 crocodiles near China - Vietnam border . It is believed the animals were sold to restaurants in nearby Guangdong Province . The Siamese crocodiles are near extinction in the wild , though they are bred in captivity . Southern China alone made up nearly 70 % of all Chinese animal trafficking last year .