The Siamese Crocodile is one of the rarest and most endangered species in the world, with less than 200 of them remaining in the world. Plans for the construction of a dam in the Cardamom Mountains of Cambodia is threatening the lives of one-fifth of this already struggling population. The construction of the Chay Areng Dam will do untold damage to this unspoilt region; threatening not only the Siamese crocodile, but several other species living in this valley. 
The Cardamom Mountains is home to over 30 species of mammals already on the endangered list. Rare birds, turtles, tigers and elephants live in this remarkable area of Cambodia. Hundreds of indigenous people will be forced to relocate if the construction of the dam goes ahead. This untouched area has previously been left alone due to wars in the region occurring for many years. The Chinese have been one of the first to try to get into this untouched area. They have offered to build Cambodia hydropower in exchange for a share of their untapped resources, including oil and gas. Although Cambodia has been in need of more electricity, the construction of the Chay Areng Dam will be surplus to demand. According to conservationists, several other sites have been proposed which will be more than enough to meet the country’s demand.
Tags: cambodia, crocodile, endangered, Environment, extinction, government, siamese, species, threaten
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