Once considered close to extinction in the wild, the Siamese crocodile is slowly returning in Cambodia. A newly protected wetland could now become one of the species’ most important refuges.
Deep inside Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, an ancient predator has gained new protection. Cambodia has officially created its first Genetic Conservation Area dedicated to an animal species.
The 315-hectare protected wetland lies at Boeung Veal Veng, in Pursat province. More than 40 wild Siamese crocodiles live within the area. For one of the world’s rarest crocodilians, that population carries extraordinary importance.
A Species Once Feared Lost
The Siamese crocodile once lived across much of Southeast Asia. Hunting, habitat destruction and collection for crocodile farms devastated wild populations during the twentieth century.
Scientists eventually feared the species had disappeared from large parts of its former range. Then, in 2000, surveys confirmed surviving crocodiles in Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains.
Information from Indigenous Chorng communities helped conservationists locate the animals. Today, Cambodia remains the species’ main global stronghold.
Around 400 Siamese crocodiles are estimated to survive in Cambodia. Across Southeast Asia, estimates suggest roughly 1,000 individuals may remain. Fewer than 250 are thought to be mature individuals.
Protecting Wild Genetics
The new Boeung Veal Veng conservation area has a particular purpose. Conservationists want to protect crocodiles that continue breeding naturally in the wild.
Captive breeding has played an important role in the species’ recovery. However, preserving genetically diverse wild populations remains essential. Hybridisation presents another challenge because some farmed crocodiles have been crossed with other species.
Conservation programmes therefore test animals carefully before releasing them. Protecting a naturally breeding population creates an important genetic reservoir. That population could eventually support future restoration programmes elsewhere in Southeast Asia.
Communities at the Centre
The crocodile’s survival also tells a human story. For generations, Indigenous Chorng communities in the Cardamom Mountains have lived alongside these reptiles.
The crocodiles hold cultural significance for local communities. Traditional beliefs helped protect them in places where hunting eliminated populations elsewhere.
Today, community wardens monitor habitats, protect nesting sites and remove illegal fishing equipment. They also help researchers locate crocodiles and understand the wetlands where they survive.
In 2025 alone, community patrols connected to conservation programmes carried out hundreds of patrols across crocodile habitat. Teams recorded wildlife, removed threats and monitored sensitive areas.
Modern conservation has therefore joined a much older relationship between people and crocodiles.
Bringing Crocodiles Back
Captive breeding and reintroduction have strengthened the recovery. Since 2012, conservation programmes have released 246 captive-bred Siamese crocodiles into protected Cambodian habitats.
In 2024, conservationists released 50 animals during one of their largest single releases. The same year also brought another encouraging sign.
Sixty crocodiles hatched from completely wild nests, providing evidence that natural reproduction continues.
These numbers remain small when compared with historic populations. But for a species once considered almost gone, every successful nest matters.
A Refuge in the Cardamoms
Legal protection alone cannot guarantee recovery. Wetlands across Southeast Asia still face pressure from development, fishing, resource extraction and changing water systems.
Siamese crocodiles also reproduce slowly. Rebuilding a stable population can therefore take decades. The new protected area gives one crucial population greater security.
It also shows another model for conservation. Scientists provide genetics, monitoring and breeding programmes. Governments provide legal protection. Local communities provide knowledge and permanent presence on the ground.
In Cambodia’s Cardamom Mountains, those elements have combined around an animal that almost disappeared. The Siamese crocodile is not safe yet. But after decades of decline, its story has begun to move in another direction.
Did You Know?
Siamese crocodiles have deep cultural significance for Indigenous communities in Cambodia. Crocodiles also appear in carvings at Angkor Wat and other ancient Cambodian temples.
FAQ
The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a freshwater crocodilian native to Southeast Asia.
Hunting, habitat loss and collection for crocodile farms caused dramatic declines throughout the twentieth century.
Around 400 are estimated to survive in Cambodia. Conservation International estimates roughly 1,000 individuals remain across Southeast Asia.
Cambodia designated 315 hectares of wetland at Boeung Veal Veng as a Genetic Conservation Area. More than 40 wild crocodiles live there.
Yes. Since 2012, conservation programmes have released 246 captive-bred Siamese crocodiles into protected areas in Cambodia.
Sources
Conservation International – Cambodia’s First Siamese Crocodile Genetic Conservation Area to Protect Critically Endangered Species.
Fauna & Flora – Conserving Siamese Crocodiles in Cambodia.
IUCN Chhay Reap Community Crocodile Wardens.
IUCN Species Survival Commission – 2024-2025 report.
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