By D. Maan, Jadetimes News
Cambodia Celebrates Record Hatch of Endangered Siamese Crocodiles
In a significant milestone for conservationists, Cambodia has welcomed the hatching of 60 baby Siamese crocodiles, marking a record event for the endangered species in this century. This achievement is seen as a beacon of hope after more than two decades of dedicated efforts to bolster their population in the remote Cardamom Mountains.
Siamese crocodiles, distinguished by their olive green color and bony crest at the back of their heads, can grow up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet) in length. Once widespread across Southeast Asia, their numbers plummeted due to hunting and habitat loss, pushing them to the brink of extinction. Today, there are only around 400 individuals left in the world, with the majority found in Cambodia.
The recent discovery of five nests in May led to the successful hatching of these crocodiles by the end of June, a result celebrated by conservationists. Pablo Sinovas, who leads the Cambodia program for the conservation group Fauna & Flora International, described the event as a significant boost for collaborative conservation efforts involving local NGOs, the Cambodian government, and conservationists.
Fauna & Flora International, in partnership with local authorities, has been actively involved in breeding Siamese crocodiles in captivity since their rediscovery in Cambodia in 2000. The program aims to release these crocodiles into suitable habitats within the Cardamom Mountains after breeding them in captivity. Over the years, 196 crocodiles have been successfully reintroduced into the wild since 2012.
The recent discovery of nests in previously unreleased areas suggests that the species is now breeding in its natural habitat, a testament to the effectiveness of conservation efforts. Local community wardens play a crucial role in safeguarding these crocodiles post release through regular patrols in the mountains.
"This record hatching of 60 Siamese crocodiles is a testament to the success of our efforts and gives us hope for the future of this critically endangered species," said Mr. Sinovas. The continuous collaboration between conservationists and local stakeholders remains pivotal in ensuring the long term survival and recovery of Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia.
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