Nature & Environment Minister: Siamese crocodiles play an important role in ecosystem

"Siamese crocodiles play an important role in the ecosystem, and the discovery of nesting sites reflects that the Cardamom National Park is a safe natural habitat," stated yesterday H.E. Eang Sophalleth, Minister of Environment.

The Minister made these remarks following the discovery of five Siamese crocodile nests in the Cardamom National Park, representing the largest number of nests discovered in over two decades

It is a matter of pride that Cambodia is home to one of the rarest species in the world, particularly within the Cardamom National Park and other protected areas. "We will persist in our endeavours to conserve biodiversity for the benefit of the nation and its posterity," he emphasised.

In a news release dated on monday, the Ministry of Environment announced the implementation of a new circular strategy on environmental matters. The second strategy, entitled "Green," places a premium on the protection and conservation of biodiversity. The ministry has been engaged in efforts to conserve and restore the habitat of the Siamese crocodile, which is among the most endangered species in the natural world.

In mid-May 2024, a joint effort involving the Ministry of Environment, the Forestry Administration of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Fauna and Flora, and local communities led to the discovery of a total of five Siamese crocodile nests in the Cardamom National Park. This represents the largest number of nests discovered in the park in over two decades. A total of 106 eggs were discovered in the five nests, of which 66 were determined to be fertile.

The nests are under the protection of park rangers and local communities, which has resulted in the successful hatching of 60 Siamese crocodiles between 27 and 30 June 2024

These findings demonstrate that the area serves as a crucial habitat for wild crocodiles, offering a glimmer of hope for the species' continued growth in the natural environment.

Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) are among the most endangered species in the wild, with only approximately 1,000 individuals remaining globally. Cambodia is regarded as having the largest population of Siamese crocodiles, with over 300 individuals.

Speaking of crocodiles

The crocodile is a very ancient species that has remained virtually unchanged for around a hundred million years. Crocodiles belong to the reptile class, which also includes turtles, lizards and snakes. The Siamese Crocodile is a species that can grow up to 3 metres long, much more rarely 4 metres. Current populations are estimated at around 500 individuals in the wild in Cambodia. Crocodiles do not become fertile until they are around ten years old, and infant mortality is very high. Females lay around fifty eggs in the sand.

Despite its bad reputation, the Siamese crocodile is a relatively timid species

Despite its bad reputation, the Siamese crocodile is a relatively timid species.

For three months, the mother devotes herself entirely to guarding her nest, eating little and looking after the young with particular care. There are many predators of the eggs, and then of the young crocodiles, with only five per cent of the young reaching adulthood.

Cambodia is a land of lakes and rivers, ideal for crocodiles. Crocodiles do not tolerate large temperature differences and therefore prefer regions where the climate is fairly stable throughout the year. Crocodiles' menus vary according to the environment in which they live, and especially according to their size.

Lake scavenger

The Siamese crocodile feeds on fish, snakes and frogs. These animals also play a role in cleaning up lakes and rivers, consuming corpses. Cambodian legends associate the crocodile with the brilliance of a diamond. This symbolism is traditionally associated with rain and fertility.

In the past, people in Asia hunted crocodiles purely for their flesh

Hunting was very much a craft, and was perfectly mastered by the Khmers, who had no hesitation in venturing into the water to catch a crocodile. They used spears from the banks of the lake or hunted from their pirogues. Crocodile meat is of good quality, low in fat and high in protein. Later, the Siamese crocodile was hunted to exploit its skin for luxury leather goods. The crocodile has also suffered greatly from the destruction of its habitat.

Protected species

The Siamese crocodile is now a protected species. Many species of crocodile are threatened by man, as a result of hunting, the reduction in prey and the development or destruction of wetlands. Female crocodiles are very fertile and the few young Siamese crocodiles that survive will need to be protected by their mother for several months before they can fend for themselves.

Scientists thought that the Siamese crocodile had almost disappeared. But since 1992, populations have been observed in the wild. Protection measures were quickly put in place. These measures mainly concern the Cardamom region, where it seems that the populations of saurians are the most numerous and reproduce in the best conditions.

Farms

Crocodile farming was a very profitable business for many years, but activity has slowed down due to the creation of farms in Thailand, which was the main customer for Cambodian crocodiles. There are still quite a few breeding farms in Cambodia. Siamese crocodiles are bred there, but there is also cross-breeding with other species to produce larger crocodiles (Indo-Pacific) with skins that are easier to work.

However, it is estimated that several thousand Siamese crocodiles have been able to reproduce thanks to breeding farms. Many experts consider the breeding programmes in Cambodia to be a success... Despite its bad reputation, the Siamese crocodile is a relatively timid species and, above all, essential to the balance of Cambodia's wildlife.

Notes and illustrations: WCS, Fauna&Flora, Christophe Gargiulo and Allan Michaud