Title
Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction and Reinforcement Strategy and Action Plan for the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia: 2012-2031
Author(s)
National Crocodile Conservation Network
Published
2012
Abstract
The Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis is indigenous to rivers, lakes and swamps throughout Cambodia, living in family groups and colonies from almost sea level up to 600 metres. Historically, this freshwater crocodile was also widespread throughout Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos and Indonesia. This crocodile is an exceptionally important species for Cambodia, with major cultural, economic and ecological values. For example, many people – including the Khmer Daeum [Original Khmer] communities in the Cardamom Mountains – believe these crocodiles bring good fortune and must never be harmed. Siamese crocodiles used to be kept in moats around the temples at Angkor, and they appear in many of the bas-reliefs. In the wild, the crocodiles help people, as well as other wildlife, by digging and maintaining ponds to provide water throughout the dry season. Siamese crocodiles tend to be shy animals and are not normally aggressive towards people. Extensive research, including more than 12 years of interviews and field work by government and international NGOs throughout in Cambodia, has found these crocodiles do not regard humans as prey. Villagers in the Cardamom Mountains and other parts of Asia still routinely fish, swim and bathe with Siamese crocodiles without apparent danger. These freshwater crocodiles can reach 3.5 metres in length, but feed mainly on small animals, including snakes, frogs and fish. After many decades of habitat loss, hunting and collection for crocodile farms, the Siamese crocodile is at very high risk of extinction in the wild throughout Asia and is listed as Critically Endangered and on Appendix I of CITES. Cambodia still holds the biggest known wild population (up to 250 adults), and has made good progress to strengthen the protection of this species in the wild. Community-based initiatives have proved to especially effective. However, Cambodia’s crocodile population is severely fragmented and still faces many pressures, including accidental drowning in fishing nets and loss of critical habitat to hydropower dams. Fewer than five nests are recorded in the wild every year, which is not enough to ensure the survival and recovery of Cambodia’s famous crocodiles.
Full Citation
National Crocodile Conservation Network (2012). Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction and Reinforcement Strategy and Action Plan for the Royal Kingdom of Cambodia: 2012-2031. Phnom Penh, Cambodia: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Fauna & Flora International Cambodia Programme, and Wildlife Conservation Society, 1-43.

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