Conservation of Siamese Crocodiles (Crocodylus siamensis)

Since 2000, FFI Cambodia has managed a conservation breeding and release program for Siamese crocodile Crocodylus siamensis in the Cardamom mountains. While the Cardamom mountains is one of the last places where the Critically Endangered species survives in the wild, thousands are held in crocodile farms in Southeast Asia for their skins which are used produce leather. These farmed individuals may hold the key to future survival of the species, but require genetic testing to determine which individuals are pure Siamese crocodiles (as opposed to hybrids of Siamese crocodiles and specie such as saltwater crocodiles C. porosus) and can therefore be safely released back into the wild.

Since 2017, the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) and Fauna & Flora International (FFI) have collaborated in developing the first conservation genetic laboratory in Cambodia. The laboratory has played an important role in conservation Siamese crocodiles and providing critical information on Asian elephant populations in Cambodia. Blood samples obtained from hundreds of crocodiles in Cambodia have been screened in the laboratory using genetic tests developed by the RZSS. These include wild nestlings and animals at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, although most have come from crocodiles held in crocodile leather farms throughout the country.