Full Breakdown
Cambodia Declares First Genetic Conservation Area for the Critically Endangered Siamese Crocodile
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Cambodia’s environment ministry announced a 315-hectare Genetic Conservation Area in the Boeung Veal Veng wetland of O’Som commune, Veal Veng district, Pursat province. The zone safeguards the core nesting habitat of the wild Siamese crocodile (*Crocodylus siamensis*), listed as critically endangered by the IUCN. The designation was confirmed on September 26 following a Prakas signed on July 22 that set the legal framework.
Background & Context
The species was thought possibly extinct in the wild until its rediscovery in the Cardamom Mountains in 2000 by Fauna & Flora International (FFI) and government partners. Decades of hunting, habitat loss, and hybridisation left fragmented, genetically compromised populations. Conservation International (CI) and FFI have run captive-breeding and re-introduction programmes, releasing hundreds of genetically pure individuals into protected rivers.
Key Figures
- Sony Oum – Country Director, Conservation International Cambodia.
- Vanny Lou – Manager, Siamese crocodile programme, FFI.
- Horm Chandet – Country Director, FFI Cambodia Programme.
- Eang Sophalleth – Environment Minister, Government of Cambodia.
- Dith Tina – Agriculture Minister, Government of Cambodia.
- Sim Khmao – Chorong community warden, Cardamom region.
Timeline
- 2000 – Indigenous Chorong communities report crocodile sightings; researchers confirm presence.
- 2011 – FFI establishes a captive-breeding facility.
- 2012 – First re-introductions into wild rivers.
- Late 2023 – CI, ministries and local stakeholders begin formal consultations.
- July 22 – Prakas signed, outlining the legal basis.
- September 26 – Joint announcement declares the wetland a Genetic Conservation Area.
Data & Statistics
- Protected wetland: 315 ha (778 acres).
- At least 40 wild Siamese crocodiles are known in the area.
- A natural nest with 17 eggs was documented in June 2025.
- In 2024, five wild nests produced 106 eggs and 60 hatchlings, the largest recorded breeding event this century.
- FFI breeding centre houses 648 individuals, including 71 breeding parents.
- Since 2011, 246 crocodiles have been released, with 100 released since 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
The ministries described the area as a “genetic bank” to support recovery efforts across the region. Environment Minister Eang Sophalleth linked the designation to the Circular Strategy on Environment 2023–2028 and the Natural Resources Protection Strategy, emphasizing tighter enforcement. Agriculture Minister Dith Tina called the move a milestone in bringing the species back from the brink.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local Chorong wardens, such as Sim Khmao, say community members view the crocodiles as “sacred guardians.” Wardens monitor nesting sites, patrol for illegal fishing and fit acoustic tags on juveniles to track movements, contributing to high hatchling survival rates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Natural recovery of this species takes a long time,” — Vanny Lou
- “Without active involvement from the community as the frontline, our programme would not be successful,” — Vanny Lou
- “This outcome builds on more than two decades of partnership to protect the Central Cardamom Mountains—one of Southeast Asia’s last great rainforests,” — Sony Oum
- “By protecting the last stronghold of globally endangered Siamese crocodiles in the wild, we're not only saving a species from extinction — we're supporting Indigenous communities, strengthening law enforcement, and preserving the genetic diversity of this globally important species and its wetland ecosystems for future generations,” — Sony Oum
What’s Next
The Genetic Conservation Area will be managed by the Pursat Provincial Department of Environment, with support from ministries, CI, FFI and Indigenous communities. Monitoring will continue through acoustic tagging and community-led patrols, while the breeding centre aims to increase release-ready juveniles over the coming years.