№ 65 of 100
Siamese Crocodile
Crocodylus siamensis
Declared 'effectively extinct in the wild' in 1992, Cambodia's sacred crocodile is being rebuilt river by river.
- Range
- CambodiaLaosIndonesia
- Region
- Asia
- Habitat
- Slow rivers, marshes and lakes of the Cardamom Mountains and Mekong basin
The story
Revered by Khmer communities who consider harming one taboo, the Siamese crocodile survived in remote Cardamom rivers. DNA-screened purebred animals from farms are released annually, and 2024 brought a record wild hatching of more than a hundred young — the best sign yet of a comeback.
What's killing them
- Collection for crocodile farms
- Hydropower flooding river habitat
- Fishing gear entanglement
- Hybridisation on farms
Who's fighting for them
Fauna & FloraFauna & Flora International
WCSWildlife Conservation Society
IUCN Red ListInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission
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Quick answers
How many Siamese Crocodiles are left in the world?
Approximately ~500–1,000 wild. The Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, and their population trend is recovering. Figures are estimates compiled from the IUCN Red List and conservation organisations.
Where does the Siamese Crocodile live?
The Siamese Crocodile is found in Cambodia, Laos, Indonesia (Asia). Their habitat: Slow rivers, marshes and lakes of the Cardamom Mountains and Mekong basin.
Why is the Siamese Crocodile endangered?
The main threats to the Siamese Crocodile are: Collection for crocodile farms; Hydropower flooding river habitat; Fishing gear entanglement; Hybridisation on farms.
Who is working to save the Siamese Crocodile?
Organisations working on Siamese Crocodile conservation include Fauna & Flora International; Wildlife Conservation Society; International Union for Conservation of Nature — Species Survival Commission.