Cambodia establishes 1st-ever genetic conservation area to protect Siamese crocodiles

PHNOM PENH, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia has officially established its first crocodile genetic conservation area to safeguard the natural genetic diversity of the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, conservationists announced in a joint press release on Saturday.

A conservationist prepares to release a juvenile Siamese crocodile into the wild in Virachey National Park in Cambodia, March 2, 2025. (File photo: Xinhua)

The newly designated area offers formal legal protection for a critical nesting habitat, ensuring the species can continue to breed and thrive in the wild while supporting the long-term, in-situ conservation of its unique gene pool.

Officially announced by the Ministry of Environment, the Boeung Veal Veng site features a 315-hectare nesting area. Located in the O'Som commune of Pursat province, the area is home to the largest remaining wild population of Siamese crocodiles at approximately 40 individuals.

Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth noted that Boeung Veal Veng is Cambodia's first-ever genetic conservation area established specifically for a single animal species.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina called the establishment of the conservation area a milestone in the kingdom's long-term mission to rescue the endangered reptile from the brink of extinction.

The Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is currently listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Khvay Atitya, an undersecretary of state and spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, said fewer than 1,000 Siamese crocodiles remain worldwide, with more than 300 in Cambodia.