Nearly extinct crocodiles return to Cambodia

Siamese crocodile eggs have successfully hatched in five different nests in Cambodia's Cardamom National Park, conservation charity Fauna & Flora announced on July 18.

Siamese crocodiles hatch from eggs. Photo: Bros Pov

The Siamese crocodile is a freshwater crocodile that can grow up to 4 metres in length. It has a prominent bony crest on the back of its head and was once found in many parts of mainland Southeast Asia. However, large-scale hunting and farming have impacted its wetland habitat and pushed it to the brink of extinction.

The Siamese crocodile is currently classified as critically endangered and is listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Previous estimates put the wild population at around 400 individuals.

Siamese crocodiles were rediscovered in the wild in 2000 and since then, Fauna & Flora has worked with Cambodian Government officials and other local partners on a conservation breeding program.

As part of these efforts, Siamese crocodiles are bred in captivity and released into the wild, with 196 crocodiles successfully released since 2012.

Then, in May 2024, locals found three crocodile nests in an area where captive crocodiles had not been released, and two more nests were found in another area shortly after.

Flora & Fauna said this showed that conservation efforts were helping the Siamese crocodile population start to rebound. At the end of June, 60 baby crocodiles emerged from their nests. The charity said this was “an incredible result for conservationists and a real sign of hope for the future of the species”.

Pablo Sinovas, director of the Cambodian Fauna and Flora programme, said the organisation and its partners were “steadfast” in their commitment to boosting the population. “This includes not only breeding them in captivity but also ensuring they have suitable habitats to release them into,” he said.

“Increasing protection of key sites within Cardamom National Park is vital, helping to protect habitats from threats such as deforestation and poaching.”

Ngoc Anh (according to CNN)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/ca-sau-gan-nhu-tuyet-chung-da-quay-tro-lai-campuchia-post304104.html