Cambodia Reintroduces Siamese Crocodiles to Boost Wild Population

Cambodian gvt

For the first time, conservationists have released Siamese crocodiles into Cambodia’s Virachey National Park, marking a major step in a decades-long effort to save the species from extinction.

Once thought to be extinct in the wild, the Siamese crocodile has made a slow but steady comeback, thanks to conservation efforts led by the Fauna & Flora organisation. The reptiles, which can grow up to four metres long, were rediscovered in Cambodia’s remote Cardamom Mountains in 2000, sparking a nationwide conservation initiative.

Today, Cambodia is at the heart of efforts to protect the species, with an estimated 400 individuals now living in the wild. Globally, their population is believed to have reached 1,000, though this remains just a fraction of their former range.

A key part of the recovery plan is a breeding programme at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. Here, eggs are incubated and hatchlings raised in controlled conditions, dramatically improving survival rates. Instead of the high mortality seen in the wild—where only a handful out of 50 survive—this programme ensures a nearly 100% success rate before release.

Until now, reintroductions have focused on the Cardamom Mountains, where last year saw a record 60 hatchlings born in the wild. However, as the population grows, new habitats are needed. Virachey, with its remote, protected environment, offers a promising new home.

Transporting the crocodiles was no easy feat. Over 18 hours, they were carried in bamboo baskets by car, motorbike, and boat to reach their destination. Each animal was fitted with a tiny acoustic transmitter beneath its skin, allowing researchers to track their movements and monitor their survival.

Releasing them was a cautious process—first, a period of acclimatisation in a temporary enclosure, followed by a final check of tracking receivers. Then, the tape securing their jaws was removed, and one by one, they were lowered into the water.

The conservation team hopes this release will mark the beginning of a thriving new population in Virachey. For local communities, who have played a key role in protecting the species, the return of these ancient reptiles symbolises hope for both biodiversity and the future of conservation in Cambodia.

-2025-03-24