Endangered Siamese crocodiles hatch out in Cambodia
A record 60 Siamese crocodiles, already an endangered species, hatched out in Cambodia.
BBC reported there are over 20 years of efforts to revive the reptile's numbers in the remote Cardamom Mountains.
Locals found five nests in May and baby crocodiles were born at the end of June.
Conservationists called it a "real sign of hope."
Pablo Sinovas, head of the Cambodia program of conservation group Fauna & Flora, said it was a "tremendous boost" and "hugely encouraging" for "collaborative conservation efforts."
Sinovas said Fauna & Flora has since worked with local officials for a program to breed them in captivity before releasing them across the Cardamom Mountains.
Local community wardens, meanwhile, also patrol crisscross mountains to ensure the crocodiles are safe after release.
The Siamese crocodile has a distinct bony crest at the back of its head.
The olive-green freshwater reptile can grow up to three meters or nearly 10 feet.
They were once widespread throughout much of Southeast Asia.
But decades of hunting and habitat loss led to the crocs being "critically endangered," according to BBC. There are just 400 of them left in the world, mostly in Cambodia.
They were feared to be extinct until they were rediscovered in Cambodia in 2000.
Since 2012, Fauna & Flora's program has successfully let 196 Siamese crocodiles back into the wild.