Why should we conserve crocodiles?

The Savannakhet provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry in cooperation with the Wildlife Conservation Society last week released 47 young freshwater crocodiles into the Ang Jiew marsh in Tansoum village, Champhon district. The marsh is part of the Xechamphon biodiversity in wetland conservation area, which covers 13 villages in four districts of Savannankhet. Vientiane Times attended the event and asked some of those involved about the reasons for crocodile conservation.

Senior officials and members of the Wildlife Conservation Society hold a young crocodile before releasing it into the marsh.

Mr Khamchanh Sidavong, Director General of the Department of Agriculture and Forestry in Savannakhet province: I am very happy to take part in this event, because the release of the crocodiles into their natural habitat is an important part of crocodile conservation in Laos. There aren’t many of them in this region and we don’t want them to become extinct. If we can conserve them here, they could become a tourist drawcard in the future. The conservation area has the potential to be one of the attractions of this province, where visitors can see crocodiles and other aquatic creatures. They can also learn about crocodile conservation. Here in Savannakhet we have allocated an area of 140 hectares for crocodile conservation. I urge the people of Champhon district, especially authorities and residents in Tansoum village, to actively contribute to crocodile protection and conservation. Everyone should comply with the law on wildlife conservation and make sure that crocodiles do not become extinct here, so that they are present for future generations to enjoy.

Mr Saisamone Souksakhone, Head of the Agriculture and Forestry Office in Champhon district: I am pleased that our district is the only place in the country to have crocodiles. Their presence here will add to the stature of Savannakhet, as well as this district. So it’s very important to protect and conserve crocodiles in this area. We’ve released baby crocodiles into the marsh today where they will be safe because they are protected in the conservation area. Conservation is very important because it means the crocodiles will survive. The conservation project involves the local community and adds to the importance of our work here.

Mr Sousath Sayakoummane, Director General of the Forestry Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: Crocodiles are on our list of protected species because they are at risk of extinction in Laos. We are lucky that people have protected them since ancient times so that they are still in existence today, and we must do our best to make sure they continue to thrive. The Xe Champhon biodiversity in wetland conservation area has special potential because it is home to many species of wildlife and aquatic creatures, including the crocodiles in Tansoum village. This is only one place in Laos that has freshwater crocodiles. This species is now extinct in many countries in this region, and today is found naturally only in Laos and Cambodia. So it’s vital to protect and conserve them for as long as possible. The conservation project works by taking eggs and rearing the baby crocodiles that hatch from them in a nursery for two years, after which we place them in the marsh and monitor them before they venture further into the wild. We will put more in the marsh next year and every year afterwards if possible. We involve the local community in the conservation of this wetland area so that it continues to be a suitable habitat for crocodiles and other species.

Mr Khamphor Khayinman, the Chief of Tansoum village in Champhon district: The people of this village are proud to have crocodiles here. They’ve been here since ancient times but they are rarely seen because there are so few of them and they are afraid of humans. The presence of freshwater crocodiles in this area is part of our history, so their conservation is important for this province and the country as a whole. Everyone in this village understands the importance of protecting the crocodiles so that they don’t become extinct. They support the conservation project and are happy to cooperate with conservation efforts. Project staff teach people about conservation and the law on wildlife protection. Ten people in this village work for the project and help with crocodile breeding, feeding, caring and monitoring. We are all pleased that the state understands the importance of crocodile conservation and that this project supports the preservation of local wildlife.

By Visith Teppalath
(Latest Update April 4, 2022)