Cambodia Celebrates Record Hatching of Endangered Siamese Crocodiles
In a remarkable turn of events for the endangered Siamese crocodile, Cambodia has welcomed 60 baby crocodiles – a hatching record for the species in this century. Conservationists are calling it a “real sign of hope” after more than two decades of efforts to revive the reptile’s numbers in the remote Cardamom Mountains.
The olive green freshwater reptile, known for its distinct bony crest at the back of its head, can grow up to 3m or nearly 10ft. Once widespread throughout much of South East Asia, Siamese crocodiles have faced decades of hunting and habitat loss, leading to their classification as a “critically endangered” species. With only 400 left in the world, most of which are in Cambodia, the hatching of 60 new crocodiles is a significant boost for their population.
Pablo Sinovas, who leads the Cambodia programme of conservation group Fauna & Flora, expressed his excitement over the collaborative conservation efforts that have led to this success. Since the rediscovery of Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia in 2000, Fauna & Flora has worked with local officials to establish a breeding programme in captivity before releasing them into suitable habitats across the Cardamom Mountains.
Local community wardens play a crucial role in patrolling the mountains to ensure the safety of the crocodiles after their release. Since 2012, the programme has successfully reintroduced 196 Siamese crocodiles back into the wild. The recent discovery of nests in an area where the crocodiles had not been released before indicates that the species is breeding in their natural habitat.
Conservationists are optimistic about the future of Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia, with efforts to protect and preserve the species showing promising results. The hatching of 60 baby crocodiles is not only a milestone for conservation but also a testament to the dedication and hard work of those involved in saving this endangered species.
