Cambodia has celebrated the hatching of 60 baby Siamese crocodiles, marking a record for the endangered species in this century.

Conservationists have hailed the event as a “real sign of hope” after more than two decades of dedicated efforts to restore the reptile’s population in the remote Cardamom Mountains.

The Siamese crocodile, distinguished by its olive-green colour and a unique bony crest at the back of its head, can grow up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) long.

Once widespread across Southeast Asia, the species has faced decades of hunting and habitat loss, leading to its classification as “critically endangered.” Today, only about 400 Siamese crocodiles remain in the wild, with most of them residing in Cambodia.

In May, locals discovered five nests, and by late June, the baby crocodiles had hatched. This significant event provides a much-needed boost to the species’ dwindling population.

Pablo Sinovas, who leads Fauna & Flora’s Cambodia program, expressed optimism, calling the hatching “a tremendous boost” for ongoing conservation efforts. These efforts have been a collaboration between conservationists, local NGOs, and the Cambodian government.

Siamese crocodiles were once thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered in Cambodia in 2000. Since then, Fauna & Flora has worked closely with local authorities to establish a breeding program, releasing crocodiles into suitable habitats across the Cardamom Mountains. Since 2012, 196 crocodiles have been successfully reintroduced into the wild.

The recent discovery of nests in areas where crocodiles had not been previously released suggests that the species is now breeding in its natural habitat. To protect the eggs, the conservation team ensured round-the-clock surveillance, resulting in the successful hatching of 60 new Siamese crocodiles.

 

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