Mondulkiri: WWF-Cambodia in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mondulkiri Provincial Administration, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Local authorities and communities have been informed of the release of 10 purebred Siamese crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis) into the Sre Pok River in the Sre Pok Wildlife Sanctuary following a process of consultation and consent from stakeholders at all levels, including indigenous and local communities.
The Siamese crocodile release program The aim is to increase the small and scattered population of mountain crocodiles in the Sre Pok River system and support the long-term recovery of the species through science-based conservation measures. Mountain crocodiles are classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and are believed to have fewer than 1,000 individuals remaining in their natural habitats worldwide. Cambodia is considered globally important for the conservation of this species and is home to one of the largest remaining populations of mountain crocodiles.
Dr. Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, said, “Today’s release of the mountain crocodiles demonstrates the continued commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia to protect, conserve and expand its biodiversity, and represents a significant achievement. “This release of the mountain crocodile into the wild demonstrates WWF-Cambodia’s long-term commitment to restoring the mountain crocodile, a representative species of Cambodia’s freshwater ecosystem,” said Dr. Dipankar Chyau Patnaik, Director of WWF-Cambodia. class=”wp-image-599898″ />
Mr. Ham Chandet, Country Director of Fauna & Flora International (FFI), added, “We are pleased to join WWF-Cambodia in this crocodile release activity, drawing on our expertise and experience in the conservation of this species.”
