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Removing Fear >> Resistance to Siamese Crocodiles
Case study :
Siamese Crocodile Reintroduction
Partners:
Rising Phoenix
Year:
2022
Location:
Kham Phork village, Siem Pang Wildlife Sanctuary
Resistance to Restriction
Lack of understanding about the long-term need for conservation and complicated technical knowledge make the villagers doubt conservation initiatives as these restrict them from clearing forests for farming, logging and hunting wildlife on their own land.
Fear for Life
The release site for the crocodile, Nava Lake, is a popular fishing spot, which is one of their main livelihoods. The villagers were scared that the release of these endangered predators, would potentially endanger their own lives.
The Siamese Crocodile is one of the most endangered species and is critical to the biodiversity of Southeast Asia. The last time a crocodile was spotted in the Siem Pang region was before the Khmer Rouge in 1975. Located in the Cambodia-Laos border the Kham Pork village community comprising primarily of Khmer-Laos indigenous group had never seen a Siamese Crocodile prior to this.
A crocodile expert from Rising Phoenix helped the group of key influential people with the myths of farming with wild crocodiles and safety protocols. After this initiation, the group visited Laos to experience for themselves how people and crocodiles can peacefully coexist.
Direct Impact: 300+ students, local influencers, and monks
Learn more:
A crocodile expert from Rising Phoenix helped the group of key influential people with the myths of farming with wild crocodiles and safety protocols. After this initiation, the group visited Laos to experience for themselves how people and crocodiles can peacefully coexist.
The village chief, deputy village chief, and a few other elders had experienced catching the Siamese crocodile many decades back. It was important to understand the local traditions and cultures as well as the problems and aspirations of the younger generations. The Young Eco team also identified teachers and youth who are active and able to communicate well in both Laos and Khmer languages.
We designed activities that would smoothly integrate with local cultural events like Sen nombanhchouk or village festivals like open the rice house to engage with the locals in a fun interesting way instead of imparting difficult (and boring) technical knowledge.