SEAToday.com, Cambodia – A near-extinct crocodile species makes a comeback after 60 eggs hatched in the wild, which is the largest recorded breeding event for the species in the century.

The Siamese crocodiles successfully hatched in five different nests spread in the Cardamom National Park in Cambodia.

The Siamese crocodiles are a freshwater species that can grow up to 4 meters in length, and their special feature are bony crests at the back of the head.

Siamese crocodiles have been categorized as critically endangered, and are on the international union for conservation of nature’s (IUCN) red list of threatened species, due to their wild population of around 400.

The egg hatches become what Fauna & Flora said is an incredible result for conservationists and “real sign of future hope”.

Moreover, the local community takes in turn patrolling to ensure that the crocodiles are safe both in captivity and after release.

Siamese crocodiles were rediscovered in the Cambodian wild in 2000 and Cambodian government officials have been working with non-governmental organization (NGO) Fauna & Flora and local partners for conservation breeding program.

From these efforts, Siamese crocodiles are bred in captivity and released to the wild with 196 crocodiles released to the wild in 2012.

In May, locals discovered nests in an area where the crocodiles had not been released before, suggesting that they breed in the natural habitat.

Since then, they make sure to protect all the eggs until those hatch, adding 60 Siamese crocodiles in the world.

Writer: Patricia Febi