Siamese crocodiles were declared virtually extinct in 1992 as a result of poaching and habitat loss, but conservation efforts have given new hope to the species. Cardamom National Park in Cambodia recently welcomed 60 Siamese crocodile babies, thanks to the help of the Chorng indigenous population. The Chorng people recognize crocodiles as sacred to their culture and have protected a few Siamese crocodiles over the past several decades. The Siamese crocodile is a smaller, more docile creature than their saltwater relatives, and the Chorng people often swam among them in Cambodian rivers. The nonprofit Fauna & Flora has been working with the Chorng population for years to use their resources to help grow the Siamese crocodile population, and their efforts finally came to fruition this year when they discovered several nests with crocodile eggs in the national park. The recently hatched babies will now be protected from deforestation, hunting, and environmental threats by living in the park, where conservationists will continue to grow the population.
Image via Fauna & Flora
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