Siamese crocodile egg discovery bodes well for species' survival in Cambodia
PHNOM PENH: Three nests of Siamese crocodile eggs – one of the world's most critically endangered species – were discovered in 2025 in the Chhay Reap area of Sre Ambel district, Koh Kong province, and in the O'Som area of the Cardamom Mountains National Park.
Conservationists hope the eggs which were fertilised will hatch in the upcoming month of August.
The Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and local communities, discovered three nests containing a total of 43 eggs within the Cardamom Mountains National Park in early June, according to a joint June 25 press release.
'Of the 43 eggs, 34 were fertilised. They are now being closely monitored and protected by our expert team and the local community until they hatch. The eggs are expected to hatch sometime in August,' it stated.
It noted that the Siamese crocodile is a critically endangered species, adding that egg discoveries in two consecutive years strongly demonstrate the success of conservation efforts.
They also underscore the importance of the Cardamom Mountains as a vital habitat for wild crocodiles, offering significant hope for the species' recovery.
On World Crocodile Day (June 17), Fauna & Flora International stated that over the past 25 years, they have worked closely with government authorities, local partners and communities to save the Siamese crocodile from extinction in Cambodia, leading to a significant rebound in their population.
These cooperative efforts have produced remarkable conservation achievements.
These include the release of 236 juvenile crocodiles into the Cardamom Mountains and 10 into Virachey National Park — the first return in 20 years.
In addition, a captive breeding facility currently holds over 500 individuals and 60 crocodiles from natural nests have been successfully hatched in the Cardamom Mountains, the largest number recorded.
'With our continued efforts to protect this critically endangered species, we are confident that Siamese crocodiles will continue to thrive in their natural habitats,' FFI stated.
On the World Crocodile Day, WWF-Cambodia also highlighted the importance of the species, explaining that Siamese crocodiles are among the world's most endangered crocodile species — and also one of the shyest.
"Unlike their more aggressive cousins, these crocodiles are generally timid around humans and rarely pose a threat. But don't underestimate their impact.
"Known as 'wetland engineers', they play a vital role in maintaining healthy rivers and marshes by digging channels, distributing nutrients and creating habitats for fish and birds.
"So, the next time you hear a splash in a remote Cambodian swamp, it might just be nature's quiet guardian at work," it said.
In 2023, WWF-Cambodia continued its collaboration with conservation experts from FFI to restore this endangered species in the Srepok River area within the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary.
This restoration project has received strong support from local authorities and the Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Environment.
The initiative focuses on protecting and studying the reintroduction of pure-bred Siamese crocodiles back into their natural habitat to ensure their long-term survival. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
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