Several wild nests of the Siamese crocodile were found in the Cardamom Mountains, from which a total of 60 baby crocodiles hatched.
60 Siamese crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) chicks have hatched in Cambodia. According to conservationists, it is the hatching record of an endangered species this century, says the British Broadcasting Corporation BBC on their website.
Conservationists see the hatchings as a sign of hope after more than 20 years of efforts to revive the reptile population in the remote Kardemumma, or Krâvanhvuori.
The Siamese crocodile is an olive-green freshwater reptile with a distinct bony crest on the back of its head. According to some estimates, the crocodile can grow up to three meters.
Siamese crocodiles were once widespread in much of Southeast Asia. Decades of hunting and the loss of habitats have made crocodiles almost extinct. Crocodiles have been hunted for their meat, which is considered delicious, and their valuable skin.
The species is classified as critically endangered. There are only 400 of them left in the world, most of which are in Cambodia.
The crocodiles were feared extinct until they were rediscovered in Cambodia in 2000. A program was then established to restore the population, and as of 2012, the program has released 196 Siamese crocodiles back into the wild.
In May, locals found nests and 60 crocodile eggs in an area where crocodiles had not been released before. The discovery suggests that the species has nested in its natural habitat.
Leading the crocodile conservation program in Cambodia Pablo Sinovas The hatching of 60 new crocodiles is a huge boost given their endangered population in the wild.
Local volunteers have been guarding the safety of the crocodiles released in Kardemummavuori, and volunteers were sent to the nests that have now been found to ensure the integrity of the nests until the crocodiles hatch.