Siamese Crocodiles Reintroduced to Virachey National Park in Cambodia
Conservationists have successfully released ten juvenile Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia’s Virachey National Park, more than 20 years since their disappearance from the area. The initiative is part of broader efforts to restore the critically endangered species, with more than 196 previously reintroduced since 2011. The program employs advanced monitoring techniques to enhance conservation strategies and population growth.
On March 2, 2025, a conservationist organization released ten juvenile Siamese crocodiles into the secluded regions of Virachey National Park in Cambodia. This marks a significant restoration attempt, as the species had vanished from this habitat for over two decades. The release is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize this critically endangered population, as recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Dith Tina commended the collaborative efforts with partner organizations such as Fauna & Flora. He highlighted the success of reintroducing a total of 196 purebred Siamese crocodiles into the Cardamom Mountains since 2011, stating, “MAFF remains committed to the preservation of natural resources in Cambodia.”
Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth noted that the Siamese crocodile is among the most critically endangered species worldwide. He expressed pride in Cambodia being home to a substantial population of this species due to dedicated conservation efforts. “This is our national pride as Cambodia is home to the world’s rarest species, where this species continues to thrive,” he remarked.
Pablo Sinovas, country director of the Fauna & Flora Cambodia Program, discussed extensive studies conducted between 2021 and 2023 to identify suitable habitats for Siamese crocodiles within the park. He stated, “With this release, we also used novel acoustic telemetry technology to monitor the movements and survival of the crocodiles, providing crucial data to inform ongoing conservation efforts.”
Sinovas emphasized the historical significance of the Siamese crocodiles in the park, enhancing restoration prospects. He noted the rarity of the species due to habitat degradation and demand for their skin, revealing a growing momentum in the conservation efforts: “We are now releasing more and more juvenile crocodiles each year, and we are also seeing signs of crocodiles breeding naturally in the wild.”
He explained that it takes approximately ten years for Siamese crocodiles to reach maturity, with those released earlier beginning to breed naturally, thereby accelerating population growth. Current estimates suggest around 1,000 Siamese crocodiles exist globally, with over 300 found in Cambodia.
Established in 1993, Virachey National Park is one of Southeast Asia’s largest protected areas, covering approximately 332,500 hectares. It serves as a sanctuary for extraordinary biodiversity, home to numerous rare species, some of which remain undiscovered.
The reintroduction of ten juvenile Siamese crocodiles to Virachey National Park marks a pivotal step in conservation efforts for this critically endangered species. With a coordinated commitment from the Cambodian government and conservation organizations, the prospects for restoring the population of Siamese crocodiles in their native habitat are improving significantly. These initiatives reflect the broader commitment to protecting Cambodia’s rich biodiversity and ecological integrity.
Original Source: english.news.cn
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