Some happy news! Here at Flashlight, we highlight events worth discussing – especially happy ones! For this edition, we’ll discuss the future of a critically endangered species of crocodile, and the hatching of 60 Siamese crocodile eggs in the wild, the largest recorded breeding event for this species in this century.
In July, the nature conservation charity, Fauna and Flora announced that the Siamese crocodiles hatched in five different nests in the Cardamom National Park in Cambodia. The charity group writes, “Once widespread in the wetlands of Southeast Asia, the Siamese crocodile has disappeared from 99% of its former range.” Researchers have previously estimated that the wild population of the species is only around 400, making it a critically endangered species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
In fact, the species was thought to have been made extinct until their rediscovery in 2000 in Cambodia.
Why crocodile conservation is necessary
Crocodiles tend to get bad press. Often seen as “ugly”, “evil”, or “highly dangerous”, we often don’t think of crocodiles when we think about animal conservation. But their notoriety comes from a place of misunderstanding and fear. As with anything we write about on The Flashlight, we promote the delicate balance in our ecosystem and what we can do to promote it.
Crocodiles play a significant ecological role. Aside from being apex predators, they are essential in maintaining the diversity and productivity of wetlands. The World Atlas
explains that all species of crocodiles allow healthy fish to regenerate and grow by eating sick or dying fish. Their droppings also serve as food for other fish, regulating the fish population.
Crocodiles in Southeast Asia are particularly at a disadvantage due to excessive and uncontrolled hunting. In the Philippines, for example, the small Philippine crocodile is another critically endangered species, with estimates of wild populations fewer than 100.
Efforts of community-led conservation of Siamese crocodiles
In Cambodia, the Siamese crocodile is revered by indigenous people, and it is taboo to hurt one. However, this hasn’t stopped game hunters from decimating their wild population or other agencies from encroaching on their lands. Fauna and Flora is working closely with local governments to safeguard and supplement the remaining crocodile population.
Since 2012, community-led efforts have released 196 captive-bred Siamese crocodiles in safe areas in the Cardamom Mountains. The recent finding of the 60 eggs shows that their efforts have been succeeding. A group of people living locally in the area discovered three nests where captive-bred crocodiles have never been released before. This suggests that the species have found a new natural habitat and are coming into their own with the land.
The people who discovered these nests immediately reported them to Fauna and Flora’s Cambodian conservation team who took extra precautions to ensure the nests were protected around the clock. Just days later, two further nests were found in another area of Cardamom National Park.
Siamese crocodile hatching.
Photo Credit: Fauna & Flora: Siamese crocodile eggs hatching.
At the end of June, a total of 60 Siamese crocodile hatchlings emerged from these nests, signaling a real hope for the future of this species.
How you can help animal conservation efforts
It’s a misconception that the public “can’t help” animal conservation efforts because we are “not there”. However, there are simple ways to help wild animals survive – regardless of where you are. Let’s look at some of them:
- Create planet- and wildlife-friendly environments by planting trees, bushes, and plants.
- If possible, build a vegetable or flower garden filled with native species (especially bees, which the UN expressly states are “essential to our survival”).
- Find out how you can volunteer at your local wildlife conservation charities.
- Install bird feeders, baths, and houses. Got a furry cat? You can place its shed fur outside in a small cage for birds to use in their nests.
- Avoid harmful chemicals.
- Pick up trash and place them in proper disposal bins.
As you can see, these are small activities that you can easily incorporate into your daily life. Small steps can create great change – and you’d be surprised how your efforts can contribute to greater success stories.
