Cambodian Dam ProjectThreatens Wild Valley, Rare Crocodile

One of Cambodia’s most unspoiled mountain regions and the nearly extinct Siamese crocodile are being threatened by a dam project and other Chinese-funded development plans, according to a conservation group. U.K.-based Fauna and Flora International (FFI) says that the Chay Areng dam in the remote Cardamom mountains will inundate critical nesting and feeding habitat of the Siamese crocodile, fewer than 200 of which still exist. The Independent reports that the dam project, which has been approved by the Cambodian government, threatens the last remaining stronghold of the Siamese crocodile, now extinct across 99 percent of its range in Southeast Asia. In addition, the dam and other development projects in the Cardamom mountains will harm more than 30 other globally threatened species of animals and fish in what FFI calls “the untouched jewel in the crown of Asian biodiversity.” FFI maintains that the Chay Areng dam is not needed to meet Cambodia’s energy needs and is calling on the government to cancel the project.