News
Eight rare young Siamese crocodiles have been discovered in Cambodia
For the first time in almost a decade, a research team from Cambodia’s Ministry of Environment (MoE) and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) discovered eight hatchlings of the highly endangered Siamese crocodile in northeastern Mondulkiri province, according to a joint statement released on Tuesday.
The discovery was made early this month at one of the search sites where Siamese crocodile dung and footprints were collected during the dry season this year, according to the statement, adding that the reptile hatchlings are safe in their natural habitat under the strict protection of the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary rangers.
The discovery, according to Environment Minister Say Samal, emphasizes the importance of the Srepok wilderness area as a worldwide hotspot with high potential for reversing biodiversity loss and restoring globally significant fauna.
“This joyful news also underscores Cambodia’s relevance for the protection of this exceedingly rare crocodile and other vital species,” he said. “Cambodia is home to one-of-a-kind natural riches, which are a great source of national pride for all Cambodians.”
He stated that the Ministry of Environment is willing to collaborate with all international non-governmental organizations, community groups, and other partners to conserve and safeguard Cambodia’s natural forests and wildlife heritage for the long-term social and economic benefits of current and future generations. After more than a decade of investigation in the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area located inside the Eastern Plains Landscape, the discovery is the first photographic evidence of a Siamese crocodile breeding population.
“During the hatching season, the research team conducts regular field monitoring, and for this specific trip, we spent four nights scouting the crocodile habitat places, from 7:00 p.m. till past midnight around 2:00 a.m. to see the animal,” said Sothea Bun, a member of the study team.
“Then came the wonderful moment when one of our team members first noticed the eye-shine of crocodile hatchlings,” he explained.
According to Milou Groenenberg, WWF biodiversity research and monitoring manager, this discovery is considered a breakthrough in the study of the species in Srepok because previous reports of breeding comprised of unconfirmed reports from many years ago and photographic evidence of hatchlings was never accumulated before.
“We were previously unsure whether the resident population still had breeding pairs to date, as well as whether any nests existed and clutches successfully hatched,” she explained. “The Srepok discovery gives hope for Siamese crocodile conservation and wild survival, and it is an important finding for the species in Cambodia and beyond.”
The freshwater Siamese crocodile, which is listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, was previously widespread across Southeast Asia but had vanished from much of its range by the early 1990s.
The report shows that Cambodia is a global bastion for the species, with an estimated 200-400 individuals left in the wild, and the overall global population does not surpass 1,000 mature individuals.
According to the statement, the main threats to the Siamese crocodile include habitat loss and degradation, poaching supported by the illicit wildlife trade and historically to supply crocodile farms, hybridization with other crocodile species, and damaging illegal fishing methods.
Source: Xinhua News Agency
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