Nearly 40 crocodiles killed a Cambodian man on Friday after he accidentally fell into their enclosure at his family's reptile farm. The 72-year-old was attempting to relocate a crocodile that had laid eggs in a cage when it seized the stick he was using and dragged him into the enclosure.
The main group of reptiles attacked him and ripped his body apart, resulting in the concrete enclosure at the Siem Reap farm being covered in blood, as reported by The Straits Times.
According to the police chief of Siem Reap commune, Mey Savry, a man was trying to remove a crocodile from a cage where it was laying eggs. During the process, the crocodile attacked the stick the man was using, causing him to fall into the enclosure. Other crocodiles then joined in, attacking and killing the man. His body was found with numerous bite marks, and one of his arms had been bitten off and eaten by the crocodiles.
In 2019, a little girl who was only two years old was killed and consumed by crocodiles on her family's reptile farm in the same village. The police chief confirmed this incident. Several crocodile farms are present near Siem Reap, which is the entrance to the well-known ruins of Angkor Wat.
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Crocodiles in Cambodia
Cambodia is home to two species of crocodiles, the Siamese crocodile and the saltwater crocodile. Both species are considered endangered due to habitat loss and poaching for their skins and meat. Crocodile farming has become a popular industry in Cambodia, with farmers raising them for their valuable skins and meat.
However, incidents like the recent attack highlight the dangers inherent in working with these powerful animals. Authorities in Cambodia are calling for increased safety measures and regulations to prevent future incidents and protect both people and crocodiles.
Crocodiles have been a part of Cambodia's history and culture for centuries, with depictions of the reptile appearing in ancient artwork. However, as their habitats continue to shrink due to human activity and climate change, they have become more vulnerable.
In recent years, there has been increased attention on the illegal trade of crocodile products in Southeast Asia. The demand for crocodile skins remains high despite international regulations prohibiting their sale. This has led to an increase in poaching and farming practices that are not sustainable or humane.
Conservation efforts are underway in Cambodia to protect both species of crocodiles native to the country.
However, incidents like the recent attack underscored how important it is for those who work closely with these animals - whether farmers raising them commercially or researchers studying them -to take safety precautions seriously at all times.
As visitors flock back to Angkor Wat after months-long lockdowns due Covid-19 pandemic, authorities must ensure proper measures are put up around farms near tourist places where people get close access. It will help prevent any future accidents involving dangerous wild animals while also protecting endangered species from harm by humans.
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