Recovering a Siamese Crocodile Population in Sre Ambel River, Cambodia

Siamese Crocodile

(Crocodylus siamensis)

The IUCN Status

LC Least Concern

CR Critically Endangered

EX Extinct

The challenge

Hunted and farmed into near extinction

A small population of Siamese crocodiles still exists along the Sre Ambel River in Koh Kong Province, southern Cambodia and consists of 50 adult crocodiles, which are reproducing. The species can be found in some key wetland areas as well. But widespread habitat destruction, over-collecting to stock crocodile farms, and illegal hunting for skins and meat are threatening the long-term survival of the species. Although over 700,000 Siamese crocodiles are held on commercial farms throughout the region, the genetic integrity of these stocks are threatened by rampant hybridization with the saltwater crocodile and the Cuban crocodile in these farms. The Siamese crocodile has been given the highest priority by the IUCN SSC’s Crocodile Specialist Group as it is now Critically Endangered.

The goal

Breeding a distinct population and protecting their homes

The project team, together with the Cambodian Fisheries Administration, hope to craft a long-term conservation program to restore the wild population into viable and healthy numbers again. The second goal is to build a stronger partnership with Wildlife Reserve Singapore on species restoration in the wild within the Sre Ambel area, which will be the future release site of the juveniles that have either been confiscated or were bred at the WCS breeding centre.

Our Role

A long-term commitment to saving the reptiles of Southeast Asia

Since 2011, WRS and the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) have been working together on turtle and tortoise conservation. With ramped up efforts to prevent the extinction of the Siamese crocodile, WCS and WRS have once again joined forces to restore the species in the wild and raise awareness of its plight at our parks. We fund logistical and field operations costs for this project.

The Impact

Ignorance is not bliss: roping in the community

Since the start of the project, there has been no proper awareness and educational outreach to local communities around the crocodile wetlands. As a result, not many people are currently aware of WCS’s conservation program. Villages and communities around the wetlands are now being educated on the importance of conserving this species. Educational material is being disseminated to schools and posters and conservation boards have been placed at each wetland area where the Siamese crocodiles can be found, so that there is a dramatic change in community engagement and a great commitment to conserving the Siamese crocodile.