Ten mountain crocodiles have been released into the Sre Pok River in the Sre Pok Wildlife Sanctuary, a natural habitat where mountain crocodiles used to live in the past, in order to increase the number of mountain crocodiles to a large extent.
Mr. Atthia, Undersecretary of State and representative of Dr. Eang Sophallet, Minister of Environment, on the occasion of presiding over the historic mountain crocodile release ceremony in the Sre Pok River on the morning of May 22, 2026, said that the conservation of the mountain crocodile, an endangered species in the world, has yielded proud results by increasing the number of mountain crocodiles living in Cambodia, and the current mountain crocodile release ceremony in the nature reserve demonstrates the joint efforts of the Royal Government of Cambodia and conservationists, national and international partners, along with sub-national administrations, local authorities, and citizens to increase the number of mountain crocodiles in the nature reserve.
He added that the selection of the Sre Pok River site was based on both its ecological suitability and strategic importance within Cambodia’s protected areas. Scientific assessments have confirmed that the area still has suitable habitat conditions, including permanent water systems, riparian forests in good condition, and adequate food resources. More importantly, evidence of reproduction shows that mountain crocodiles can still survive and reproduce in the area. These efforts provide a solid scientific basis for recovery and confirm the need for interventions to strengthen and restore its population.
“The release of the mountain crocodile into its natural habitat demonstrates the commitment to increasing the mountain crocodile population,” said Dr. Dipankar Chyau Patnaik, Director of WWF-Cambodia. In the Sre Pok River, to ensure the survival of the species and the resilience of the ecosystem for biodiversity and the communities that depend on these natural resources.”
Local authorities, including communities and indigenous peoples, have the agreement, support and active participation In the campaign to release purebred mountain crocodiles into the Sre Pok River.
Mr. Ngin Soviname, Deputy Governor of Mondulkiri Provincial Government, said that the provincial administration fully supports the release of these mountain crocodiles into the Sre Pok River and continues to cooperate in protecting and conserving biodiversity for environmental sustainability.
Please note that with the cooperation of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, and the Wildlife and Plant Protection Organization (FFI), WWF, in collaboration with the Mondulkiri Provincial Administration and the Provincial Department of Environment, 10 mountain crocodiles, including 9 females, which are the most endangered species, have been brought from the Tamao Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary and released into the Sre Pok River in Mondulkiri Province for protection and conservation in the wild.
For the locals around the Sre Pok River, mountain crocodiles are considered gentle animals that do not pose a threat to humans. They are also considered sacred animals or guardians of water sources. Cambodia is recognized as the country with the most mountain crocodiles in the world, with more than 300, while the total number in the world is about 1,000.
