Cambodia Releases 10 Rare Crocodiles Into Protected River

Ten critically endangered Siamese crocodiles just swam into their new home in Cambodia's Srepok River, marking a major win for one of the world's rarest reptiles.

WWF-Cambodia partnered with government agencies, conservation groups, and local communities to carefully release the purebred crocodiles into the Srepok Wildlife Sanctuary. With fewer than 1,000 Siamese crocodiles estimated to remain in the wild globally, every individual matters for the species' survival.

Cambodia has become the global stronghold for these ancient reptiles, hosting one of the largest remaining populations. The country's Eastern Plains landscape provides critical habitat that could determine whether the species recovers or disappears forever.

This release follows years of scientific groundwork. In 2021, researchers captured the first photographic evidence of naturally hatched Siamese crocodiles in the Srepok River, proving that wild breeding was happening successfully.

Each released crocodile underwent strict genetic and health screenings before making the journey. Scientists implanted acoustic tags in all ten animals to track their movements, survival rates, and how well they adapt to their river home.

The crocodiles came from breeding facilities managed by Cambodia's Forestry Administration and conservation partner Fauna & Flora. These centers maintain genetically pure populations, ensuring the released animals strengthen rather than dilute the wild gene pool.

The Ripple Effect

Saving Siamese crocodiles does more than protect a single species. As top predators, they help maintain healthy river ecosystems that support fish populations and clean water for the communities living nearby.

Local Indigenous peoples and communities played a central role in planning and approving the release. Their ongoing participation in river patrols and habitat protection will help reduce threats like illegal fishing and habitat damage that have pushed the species to the brink.

Cambodia's leadership in crocodile conservation demonstrates how science-based recovery programs can reverse even the most dire conservation situations. The country's commitment offers a template for protecting other critically endangered freshwater species across Southeast Asia.

The Srepok River now holds renewed promise as a sanctuary where one of Earth's most threatened crocodilians can breed, grow, and rebuild populations that once thrived across the region.