A recent discovery of 60 Siamese crocodile eggs was made in Cambodia. The nearly-extinct Siamese crocodile’s egg discovery is said to be part of international conservation efforts aimed at saving this critically endangered species.
The Siamese crocodile’s nesting site was discovered in an area where crocodiles had not previously been released in what is being called a major milestone in the species conservation efforts.
“The recent discovery of wild nests emphasizes the vital importance of safeguarding this area,” Pablo Sinovas, country director, Cambodia at Fauna & Flora International (FFI), said. “With only a few hundred individuals estimated in the wild, the hatching of 60 new crocodiles is a tremendous boost. At a time when wetland biodiversity is declining rapidly across the region, it underscores the potential for natural recovery through sustained collaborative conservation efforts.”
The FFI deployed a team of conservationists to five separate nests in Cambodia’s Cardamom National Park in the Cardamom Mountains, “where they provided round-the-clock care and observation to ensure the eggs’ safety,” True Activists reported. All 60 eggs successfully hatched suggesting that the Siamese crocodile expanded its range and bred naturally signaling that the Cardamom Mountains are a key natural habitat for the species to allow these wild populations to start bouncing back, FFI reported.
The Siamese crocodile was once widespread in the wetlands of Southeast Asia, but disappeared from 99 percent of its former range and was feared to be extinct in the wild until FFI’s survey team rediscovered the species in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, according to FFI.
With an estimated 400 remaining Siamese crocodiles currently living in Cambodia, FFI reported that it has successfully reintroduced 196 Siamese crocodiles back into the wild since 2012 as part of their conservation efforts. Some of their conservation efforts include captive breeding and reintroduction programs, along with community-led monitoring and anti-poaching activities to ensure that the Siamese crocodiles can thrive in their natural environment without facing the threats of habitat destruction or poaching.
“One of the goals of the Circular Strategy on Environment is biodiversity protection and conservation,” Dr Eang Sophalleth, Cambodia’s Minister of Environment, said. “The Siamese crocodiles play an important role in the ecosystem, and the discovery of five nests with successful hatching of 60 eggs reflects that the Cardamom National Park is a safe and suitable natural habitat for this species. It is a source of pride that Cambodia has the world’s rarest species, especially in the Cardamom National Park and other protected areas. We will continue our efforts to conserve biodiversity for the benefit of the nation and our next generations.”
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