In the lush, remote rainforests of Cambodia, a miracle of survival is taking place—the return of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile.
Once teetering on the edge of extinction, these powerful reptiles are slowly reclaiming their place in the wild, thanks to determined conservationists, unexpected allies, and innovative breeding programs.
A New Beginning for a Lost Species
The tiny crack in the eggshell widened as a tiny snout emerged, signaling the birth of a new Siamese crocodile hatchling.
At Cambodia’s Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, this moment was more than just a natural event—it was a symbol of hope. The zookeeper gently helped the hatchling out of its shell, guiding it into a world where its species was once nearly lost.
Siamese crocodiles, which can grow up to 4 meters (13 feet) long and weigh 350 kilograms (770 pounds), were once widespread across Southeast Asia. However, relentless hunting for their valuable leather in the 20th century decimated their population. By the late 1990s, the species was thought to be extinct in the wild.
Conservation Efforts: Turning the Tide
The journey to save the Siamese crocodile began in 2000 when researchers discovered a small population in the Cardamom Mountains, one of Cambodia’s last remaining wilderness areas. These crocodiles had managed to survive in isolation, thanks in part to the region’s remoteness and the protective practices of local Indigenous communities.
Yet, finding this tiny group was only the beginning. Their numbers were too small and scattered to recover naturally, so conservationists launched a massive effort to revive the species. Central to this effort was breeding, both in captivity and in the wild.
The Role of Crocodile Farmers
A surprising partner in the crocodile’s comeback has been the very people who once contributed to their near extinction: crocodile farmers.
For years, these farmers bred Siamese crocodiles with other species to meet the demand for exotic leather. But as conservation efforts gained momentum, farmers began playing a key role in providing purebred Siamese crocodiles for breeding programs.
These farmers and scientists scoured crocodile farms across Cambodia, meticulously identifying purebreds, which were becoming increasingly rare. Once found, these crocodiles were transferred to Fauna and Flora’s Phnom Tamao breeding center, where their eggs were incubated under controlled conditions.
In 2012, the first group of purebred Siamese crocodiles was released back into the wild. Since then, conservationists have continued to release more juveniles, with hopes that these captive-bred animals will establish self-sustaining populations in the wild.
Challenges Along the Way
While the breeding programs have been largely successful, challenges remain. One major issue is habitat loss. The Cardamom Mountains, which serve as a critical habitat for the species, are under threat.
Between 2001 and 2023, Cambodia lost nearly one-third of its tree cover, according to Global Forest Watch. Without secure habitats, the efforts to reintroduce the Siamese crocodile could be in vain.
Another challenge is ensuring that only purebred Siamese crocodiles are released into the wild. Hybrids, which were bred for their size and aggressive nature, pose a threat not only to the genetic integrity of the species but also to human populations.
Aggressive hybrid crocodiles are far more dangerous to people than their purebred counterparts, and conservationists are working hard to avoid introducing these hybrids into natural habitats.
Breeding Success and Future Hope
Despite the challenges, the conservation efforts are paying off. In July 2024, over a hundred Siamese crocodile eggs were discovered in the wild—a record number and a sign that the species is beginning to establish itself again in Cambodia.
“We’re still far from saying the species is safe,” said Pablo Sinovas, a conservation expert with Fauna and Flora. “But we’re making real progress.”
Captive breeding programs, similar to those used in India to save crocodiles in the 1970s, have proven to be effective in raising juvenile crocodiles to a size where they can be safely released. These young crocodiles, once they reach about a meter (3.4 feet) long, have a much better chance of survival in the wild.
The Role of Siamese Crocodiles in Ecosystem Protection
The Siamese crocodile is not just a species worth saving for its own sake. It has become a symbol of the broader effort to protect Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in Southeast Asia. This vast rainforest, larger than the country of Denmark, plays a critical role in trapping carbon and mitigating climate change.
Protecting this habitat is crucial, not just for the crocodiles but for the countless other species that call the Cardamom Mountains home. “There’s no point in releasing crocodiles into an environment that can’t support them,” said Sinovas. “Conserving the habitat is the most important part of this project.”
A Changing Landscape for Crocodile Farmers
The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on crocodile farming, with demand for crocodile leather plummeting. Many farms, which once bred hybrids for the fashion industry, are now struggling to stay afloat. Ry Lean, a 73-year-old crocodile farmer, explained, “We used to sell large crocodiles for $1,500. Now, we’re lucky to get $150.”
Tourism, which once provided a secondary source of income for crocodile farmers, has also dwindled since the pandemic. Lean’s shop, once filled with curious visitors eager to buy souvenirs like crocodile skulls and jerky, now sits mostly empty.
Despite the challenges, some farmers remain hopeful that conservation efforts can provide new opportunities. As the demand for purebred Siamese crocodiles grows, farmers could play an essential role in helping to safeguard the future of the species.
The resurgence of the Siamese crocodile is an inspiring example of how dedicated conservation efforts, combined with unexpected allies, can make a real difference in saving a species from extinction.
With continued commitment, these ancient reptiles may once again thrive in the wilds of Southeast Asia, serving as a reminder of nature’s resilience—and the importance of protecting our planet’s most vulnerable species.
