PHNOM PENH – Once thought to be extinct, Siamese crocodiles are now thriving in forests, thanks to conservation effort by Fauna & Flora Cambodia.

The achievement was highlighted as this year marked 25 years of Siamese crocodile conservation efforts by the organization, which works closely with government institutions, sub-national government administrations and local communities.

Fauna & Flora Cambodia said on June 17 that 236 crocodiles have been released to the Cardamom Mountains, and 10 were reintroduced to Virachey National Park for the first time in 20 years.

A captive breeding facility is maintaining more than 500 of the  crocodiles to support conservation and reproduction efforts. The newest and largest hatch of 60 were born in natural nests in the Cardamom Mountains.

Fauna & Flora Cambodia predicts that the Siamese crocodiles will continue to grow in their natural habitats, along with the conservation efforts of partners.  
The Siamese crocodile ranks among the rarest species, with fewer than 1,000 believed to exist in the wild globally.

Fauna & Flora protects threatened species and ecosystems worldwide.  It began the mission in Cambodia in 1997 protecting species including Asian elephants, sea turtles and gibbons. 

It also helps preserve and restore vital habitats such as tropical forests, mangroves, seagrass beds and coral reefs.