Saving the Siamese crocodile: Cambodia moves to protect one of the world’s last wild populations
Indigenous communities play crucial role, as ‘genetic bank’ area of wetland offers hope for critically endangered reptile
TL;DR
- A 315-hectare wetland in Cambodia's Pursat province has been designated a genetic conservation area for the critically endangered Siamese crocodile.
- This area is home to at least 40 Siamese crocodiles, a crucial stronghold for a species once feared extinct.
- Conservation efforts include a breeding program by Fauna & Flora International, which has released 246 crocodiles since 2011.
- Indigenous Chorng communities play a vital role, sharing their knowledge and acting as community wardens to monitor nests, patrol for poaching, and protect habitats.
- The largest recorded wild Siamese crocodile breeding event this century, with 60 hatchlings, occurred in the Cardamom mountains in 2024, highlighting community involvement.
- The protected area is seen as a 'genetic bank' that could eventually help reintroduce crocodiles to other Southeast Asian countries.