Near-extinct crocodiles make a remarkable comeback in Cambodia

Miracle in the Wild: 60 Endangered Crocodiles Hatch, Sparking New Hope for Species' Survival (Image credit: Bros Pov/Fauna & Flora)

Hopes for the future of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile have been renewed after 60 eggs hatched in Cambodia's Cardamom National Park, marking the largest recorded breeding event for the species this century. This freshwater species, which can grow up to 4 meters (13.1 feet) long, is known for its distinctive bony crest at the back of the head. Once prevalent throughout much of mainland Southeast Asia, the Siamese crocodile faced near extinction due to extensive hunting and large-scale farming that destroyed its wetland habitat.

According to a statement from Fauna & Flora, a conservation charity, the successful hatching occurred in five different nests. Since rediscovering the species in the wild in 2000, Fauna & Flora has collaborated with Cambodian government officials and local partners on a focused conservation breeding program. This initiative involves breeding Siamese crocodiles in captivity and releasing them into the wild, with 196 individuals released since 2012.

In May 2024, local residents discovered three nests in areas where captive-bred crocodiles had not been released, followed by the discovery of two additional nests in a different location. These findings suggest that long-term protection efforts are aiding the population's natural increase. By the end of June, 60 baby crocodiles emerged from these nests, a result Fauna & Flora described as an incredible success and a hopeful sign for the species' future.

Pablo Sinovas, the country director of Fauna & Flora's Cambodia program, highlighted the organization's unwavering commitment to boosting crocodile populations. This includes not only breeding them in captivity but also ensuring suitable habitats for their release. Sinovas emphasized the critical importance of strengthening protection in Cardamom National Park to shield these habitats from deforestation and poaching.

The discovery of wild nests underscores the significance of protecting this area. With only a few hundred individuals estimated to remain in the wild, the hatching of 60 new crocodiles represents a substantial boost. At a time when wetland biodiversity is rapidly declining across the region, this event demonstrates the potential for natural recovery through sustained collaborative conservation efforts. Community warden Toy Chorn, involved in finding and protecting the nests, expressed high hopes for the species, believing that ongoing conservation efforts will continue to increase the Siamese crocodile population.