Siem Reap Times

Sunday, Dec 08, 2024

The Remarkable Revival of Cambodia’s Siamese Crocodiles

Conservation Efforts in Phnom Tamao Bring Hope to Endangered Species
In the heart of Cambodia's Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center, a new generation of Siamese crocodiles is making its debut. Hor Vichet, a dedicated zookeeper, recently witnessed hatchlings break free from their eggs, signaling a promising future for this critically endangered species. These tiny crocs, each about the size of a New York hotdog, rely on the protective efforts of their mothers and the surrounding community to survive in the wild.

Once widespread across Southeast Asia, Siamese crocodiles faced near extinction due to extensive hunting for their valuable leather. However, a resilient population was discovered in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains in 2000, preserved by the area's dense rainforests and the respect of local Indigenous communities. Today, thanks to collaborative conservation initiatives, approximately one thousand Siamese crocodiles inhabit the wild across Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Indonesia. Efforts include captive breeding programs that ensure the release of purebred, fertile crocodiles to strengthen wild populations.

Protecting the Siamese crocodile also means safeguarding the vital Cardamom Mountains ecosystem, one of Southeast Asia's last remaining rainforests. This habitat not only supports diverse wildlife but also plays a crucial role in combating climate change by trapping greenhouse gases. Conservationists remain committed to expanding these efforts, as recent successes, such as the discovery of over a hundred eggs in July, demonstrate significant progress toward restoring the species and preserving their natural environment.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Siem Reap Times
0:00
0:00
Close
NomadiX Art Festival to Showcase Local Talent in Kampong Cham
Chinese Story Photography Exhibition Opens in Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s Sustainable Rice Farming Initiative Boosts Farmers and Global Brands
Cambodia Poised for Growth in Tourism with Interest from Hong Kong and Macau Travel Agencies
Cambodia’s Startup Ecosystem: A Growing Hub for Digital Transformation
Vietnamese Experts Honored for Their Role in Cambodia's Post-Conflict Recovery
Strengthening Regional Cooperation to Combat Illicit Trade in Southeast Asia
ASEAN Ministers to Meet in Thailand on Myanmar Crisis Amid Shifting Regional Dynamics
Malaysia’s RISEAP President Praises Cambodia’s Religious Harmony at 20th Conference
Cambodian Journalist Dies After Shooting Related to Illegal Logging Reports
Cambodia’s Consumer Market Expected to Surge by 2025
Nearly 100 Arrested in Phnom Penh Drug Raid Disguised as “Tea Restaurant”
Laos and Cambodia Deepen Strategic Ties in Politics, Defence, and Trade
Cambodia’s Krama Earns UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Status
Cambodia Tightens Crypto Rules, Blocks Major Exchanges
Cambodian Journalist Shot After Reporting on Illegal Logging
Cambodia’s Investment Surge: $940 Million in Projects Approved for November
Cambodia’s Air Travel Surges as Nearly 5 Million Passengers Served
New Study Confirms Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary as Vital Refuge for Endangered Species
Cambodian PM to Rebuild Fire-Damaged Boeung Chhouk Market
Global Tensions Rise: Diplomatic Expulsions, Political Turmoil, and Cybersecurity Breaches
Phnom Penh Designers Week Returns with “Fashion in a Changing World” Theme
Journalist Seriously Injured in Shooting in Siem Reap; Authorities Launch Investigation
Cambodia Marks Anti-Corruption Day with Focus on Transparent Public Services
Cambodia and Laos Strengthen Economic Ties with New Double Taxation Agreement
Cambodia and China Reaffirm Ties Amid Uncertainty Over Funan Techo Canal Funding
Cambodia Celebrates UNESCO Recognition of the Krama: The Role of the “Krama Queen” in Preserving Culture
Visa Hosts First Open Payments Session in Cambodia to Drive Digital Payments Innovation
Nepal Embraces China's Belt and Road Initiative: A New Geopolitical Battleground?
Angkor Wat Half Marathon Breaks Record with Over 14,000 Participants
Monk Removed from Monkhood Following Inappropriate Behavior in Phnom Penh
Cambodia Receives 60 Freight Trains from China to Boost Rail Transport Services
Southeast Asia’s Cyber-Enabled Fraud Crisis: Identifying the Victims and Addressing the Industry
Environmental Leaders Reaffirm Commitment to Reducing Haze in Mekong Sub-Region
Cambodia Sentences 13 Filipino Women to Jail for Surrogacy
Thailand Takes Action to Combat Air Pollution with Rain-Making Flights
Hyundai Motor to Open $500 Million Plant in Kedah, Malaysia
South Korea's Brief Declaration of Martial Law
Seoul in Crisis: Yoon Suk Yeol's Misjudgment on Martial Law Triggers Political Upheaval
South Korean President Lifts Martial Law After Parliamentary Intervention
South Korean President Yoon Withdraws Martial Law Within Hours
Cambodia Cracks Down on Crypto Exchanges, Blocks 16 Websites Amid Growing Use and Fraud Concerns
Barnier's Administration in France Confronts Unprecedented No-Confidence Vote
What Makes the Sun Different, and Special, at Angkor?
Battambang’s AGROW Project Empowers Smallholder Farmers to Combat Poverty and Adapt to Climate Change
Phnom Krom: A Hindu Temple Transformed into a Historical Landmark
Hun Sen Leads High-Level Visit to China to Strengthen Bilateral Ties and Discuss Funan Techo Canal Project
Russian Actress Kamilla Belyatskaya Dies in Wave Accident on Thai Island
Communication4Change Training Strengthens Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Fisheries in Cambodia
Miss Planet Cambodia 2024 Withdraws from Miss Planet International Final
×