Cambodia creates genetic conservation area for Siamese

Cambodia has established its first genetic conservation area to protect the critically endangered Siamese crocodile. The 315-hectare wetland in Pursat province, formally declared on 22 July, is home to at least 40 wild crocodiles and aims to preserve a genetically pure population.

This area, known as Boeung Veal Veng, is described as a vital 'genetic bank' that could support future recovery efforts in Malaysia, Myanmar, and Indonesia, where the species is thought to be extinct. The global population of purebred Siamese crocodiles is estimated at fewer than 1,000 adults.

Conservation success through community partnership

Indigenous Chorng communities in the Cardamom mountains are central to the species' survival. They first reported seeing Siamese crocodiles in the 1990s, leading to their official scientific recording in the year 2000. The species had been feared extinct.

The Chorng community considers crocodiles sacred and has lived alongside them for generations. This deep spiritual relationship with the forest underpins conservation. Community wardens like Sim Khmao assist in monitoring, stating they are not afraid of crocodiles due to an ancestral connection.

Local residents are employed as rangers and monitors. Their work includes identifying nesting sites, patrolling against illegal fishing and poaching, and reporting threats like illegal logging and sand dredging.

Breeding program supports wild recovery

A captive breeding program established by Fauna & Flora International in 2011 has been key. The program uses a head-starting methodology, raising young crocodiles until they are robust enough for release. It takes three to four years for a baby crocodile to reach the required age and size.

Since 2011, the facility has released 246 Siamese crocodiles into the wild, with 100 of those released since 2024.

Some released crocodiles are fitted with acoustic tags for tracking. Radio telemetry and camera traps confirm the survival and integration of these captive-bred animals into wild populations. The Boeung Veal Veng site serves as a core zone for breeding between released animals and wild adults.

Critical conservation challenges remain

Despite progress, significant threats persist. The Siamese crocodile was declared critically endangered due to decades of unregulated hunting and habitat conversion for agriculture. Habitat destruction, poaching, and cross-breeding with farmed crocodiles have reduced genetically intact wild populations.

The illegal wildlife trade continues, driven by demand for traditional medicine and luxury leather. Conservationists state that preserving genetic diversity in small, isolated populations can improve reproduction and disease resistance.

Vanny Lou of the conservation effort noted, "Natural recovery of this species takes a long time. This is one of our approaches to boost the species’ recovery from the brink of extinction." Evidence of success came in 2024 when community wardens found five wild nests containing 106 eggs, which resulted in 60 hatchlings-the largest recorded breeding event this century.