The status of crocodiles in Cambodia is complex, involving two distinct species: the Siamese crocodile and the Saltwater crocodile. Most current discussion centers on the Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis), which is one of the world’s most threatened reptiles. This freshwater species was once widespread across Southeast Asia but now faces a precarious existence in the wild. Cambodia is recognized as a key stronghold for this critically endangered population.
The Two Species of Cambodian Crocodiles
The two crocodilian species in Cambodia are the Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) and the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). The Siamese crocodile is a medium-sized reptile, with most adults reaching lengths between 2.1 and 3.5 meters. It is characterized by a relatively broad, smooth snout and often has an elevated, bony crest visible behind each eye. This species historically populated a wide range of lowland freshwater environments.
The Saltwater crocodile, or “Saltie,” is a far larger animal, with males capable of exceeding six meters in length, making it the largest living reptile. Unlike its freshwater counterpart, the Saltwater crocodile possesses a much larger head and a pair of prominent ridges running from the eyes along the center of its snout. This species is generally found in coastal areas, brackish wetlands, mangrove swamps, and river deltas.
The Siamese crocodile prefers slow-moving rivers, swamps, and lakes. Historically, it did not pose the same threat to humans as the more aggressive Saltwater crocodile. The distinction between the two species is important because only the Siamese crocodile is facing extinction in the wild, making it the focus of intensive conservation efforts.
Current Status and Critical Endangerment
The Siamese crocodile is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, a status held since 1996. Its population has been severely reduced, and the remaining wild individuals are fragmented into small, isolated groups. Surveys indicate that the total number of mature wild Siamese crocodiles remaining in Cambodia may be fewer than 250 individuals.
The primary threats stem from habitat loss and degradation, often due to human development projects. The construction of large-scale hydroelectric dams has been particularly damaging, altering the natural flow of rivers and destroying crucial breeding habitats. Illegal poaching for the exotic skin trade and the collection of live animals to stock unregulated commercial crocodile farms continue to exert pressure on the small wild population.
The demand for wild-caught crocodiles, sometimes believed by farmers to be more vigorous for breeding, drives a lucrative black market trade. Accidental drowning in fishing nets also poses a continuous threat to the remaining adults. These factors ensure the wild population remains highly vulnerable, with a low reproductive rate insufficient for recovery without intervention.
Habitat and Geographic Distribution
The remaining wild populations of Siamese crocodiles are highly localized, primarily confined to remote, protected wetland areas. The largest concentration of known sites is found within the Cardamom Mountains in the southwestern part of the country. These areas provide the necessary slow-moving water bodies, lakes, and marshes required for survival and nesting.
Small, fragmented populations also exist in specific locations, such as isolated stretches of the Mekong River near Kratie province and parts of the Sre Pok River in Mondulkiri province. The Siamese crocodile’s preference for freshwater habitats, often at elevations up to 600 meters, is a key factor in its current distribution. Conservation efforts focus on securing these specific geographic sites to ensure the species’ long-term viability.
The Saltwater crocodile is distributed in coastal and estuarine regions, where its tolerance for salinity allows it to occupy a different ecological niche. Although the Siamese crocodile is a pure freshwater species, its habitat can occasionally overlap with the Saltwater crocodile in river deltas. Securing the freshwater systems within the Cardamom Mountains is paramount to the survival of the Siamese species.
Conservation and Reintroduction Efforts
Active steps are being taken to prevent the extinction of the Siamese crocodile through collaborative conservation programs. These initiatives focus on captive breeding using genetically pure individuals to reinforce wild stocks. Crocodiles bred in captivity are often “head-started,” meaning they are raised in a protected environment until they are large enough for a better chance of survival upon release.
Reintroduction takes place in secure, patrolled sanctuaries, primarily within the Cardamom Mountains region. Since the species was rediscovered in 2000, nearly 200 purebred Siamese crocodiles have been successfully released back into the wild. Recent efforts, such as those in Virachey National Park, utilize advanced techniques like acoustic telemetry to monitor the movements and survival of the released animals.
Community involvement is a fundamental component of these strategies, with local villagers trained as crocodile wardens to patrol nesting sites and deter poaching. This community-based protection helps create safe zones and fosters ownership over the species’ recovery. The establishment of protected areas and the ongoing reintroduction of purebred stock are designed to re-establish a self-sustaining wild population.