Nature: The Siamese crocodile reintroduced in Virachey National Park after two decades

As part of a decisive conservation effort, ten juvenile Siamese crocodiles have been reintroduced into Virachey National Park, marking the species' return to the region after more than 20 years.

Young Siamese crocodile. Photo CG

The release, on 18 March 2025, represents a crucial step in restoring the population of one of the world's rarest reptiles to its natural habitat. The initiative is being carried out by Fauna & Flora Cambodia in collaboration with the Ministry of the Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the local authorities. Equipped with acoustic telemetry devices, the crocodiles will be closely monitored to gather vital data on their movements and survival. This cutting-edge technology should help to improve future reintroduction efforts and ensure long-term conservation success.

A renaissance that has been decades in the making

Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) were considered extinct in the wild until they were rediscovered in Cambodia in 2000. Since then, conservationists have worked tirelessly to protect and breed pure-bred individuals, combating threats such as habitat loss and hybridisation with farmed crocodiles.

Over the past decade, nearly 200 crocodiles have been released in other remote areas of Cambodia, notably in the Cardamom Mountains. These efforts have led to encouraging signs of natural reproduction in the wild.

Sanctuary

Virachey National Park, located in north-east Cambodia and covering more than 3,300 square kilometres, is an ideal sanctuary for these reptiles. Its remote and largely unexplored terrain offers a haven of peace away from human activity. The park is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to many threatened species.

A collaborative conservation model

The reintroduction programme follows years of habitat assessment carried out between 2021 and 2023 to identify suitable release sites in Virachey. Conservationists believe that re-establishing a breeding population here will make a significant contribution to increasing the numbers of the species in the wild. According to Pablo Sinovas, National Director of Fauna & Flora Cambodia, this success is the result of decades of collaboration between government agencies, NGOs and local communities.

The Ministry of the Environment underlined its commitment to protecting biodiversity in order to prevent species extinction. Minister Eang Sophalleth described the Siamese crocodile as a ‘source of national pride’, stressing the importance of preserving Cambodia's unique flora and fauna for future generations.

The obstacles

Despite these successes, Virachey National Park still faces challenges. Illegal logging and potential hydroelectric developments threaten its delicate ecosystems. Conservationists warn that infrastructure projects could disrupt critical habitats for endangered species such as Siamese crocodiles and other wildlife. However, ongoing efforts to strengthen environmental regulations and promote sustainable development aim to balance conservation and economic growth.

The return of this species to Virachey National Park is an important step in conservation efforts. Not only does the initiative restore a key species to its rightful habitat, it also highlights the importance of protecting one of the last frontiers of biodiversity in Southeast Asia.