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Saving the last Siamese crocodiles

The Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis, is one of Asia’s most Critically Endangered animals. Common and widespread in the wetlands and waterways of south-east Asia less than a century ago, the species has all but disappeared. Based on exhaustive surveys since 2000, we estimate that fewer than 250 adults survive in the wild.

Please sponsor a Siamese crocodile egg today.

Saving Planet Earth aims to raise awareness and funds for the Critically Endangered Siamese crocodile. Watch Fauna & Flora International and Radio 1 DJ, Edith Bowman protect Siamese crocodiles in Cambodia - part of the BBC Saving Planet Earth series. More about the programme.

Crocodiles are ecological ‘keystone’ species that maintain healthy wetlands by controlling predatory fishes and by digging down to ensure a constant water supply even through the dry season. The crocodiles are also an integral part of local cultures, being regarded with reverence, mysticism and fear in equal measure. They are not man-eaters, but prefer to feed on smaller prey, especially snakes.

Most of the surviving Siamese crocodile population is scattered across Cambodia’s remote Cardamom Mountains. Their distribution today covers barely 1% of their former range.

Please help us to save Siamese crocodiles and other endangered species and habitats today.

Cambodia’s crocodiles are protected by law but are under enormous pressure from many threats, especially the illegal collection of eggs and live animals. Around a thousand crocodile farms have been established in Cambodia, and many farmers admit to buying wild-caught crocodiles. Once on the farms, the wild Siamese crocodiles are easily hidden among the thousands of captive-bred crocodiles.

Our work focuses on Cambodia, but also supports the efforts of neighbouring countries. The project team comprises trained Forestry Administration staff, working alongside Fauna & Flora International crocodile specialists, local community wardens, university students and other collaborators.

While it could take decades to see a recovery in wild populations (Siamese crocodiles take at least 15 years to reach maturity), this project has already had some notable achievements in its first five years:

• Devised effective new survey techniques for crocodiles in mountainous areas, where conventional boat-based surveys are not feasible;
• Trained a cadre of wildlife officers to become proficient crocodile biologists, and established a national database of wild crocodile records;
• Conducted the first radio telemetry study of Siamese crocodiles and gained new knowledge on their movements, diet, habitat preferences and reproduction;
• Led the first scientific explorations of many rivers, which identified 30 crocodile sites and discovered fish and amphibians that are new to science;
• Launched a nationwide awareness campaign, and achieved recognition of Siamese crocodiles as a national conservation priority.