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6. Fish and reptiles in abundance |
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Tonle Sap: Source of Lives
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"Where there's water, there's fish" (Khmer saying) Tonle Sap lake is the richest freshwater fishing ground in the world. More than 200 fish species have been identified, of which 80 are regularly fished. The seasonal flooding of the land has created this abundance: the fish have evolved over thousands of years and adapted their life cycle to the rhythm of the waters. The flooded forest provides a habitat and an important feeding ground. Two main categories of fish can be identified. "White" fish account for 60% of the total and comprise white or silvery fish. Most of them are long-distance migratory species: they breed in the Mekong river during the dry season and migrate annually into the lake with the rising water. On the other hand, "black" or dark-colored fish are species which live in the lake year-round and can survive in adverse conditions. |
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The reptiles of Tonle Sap have in common... ...that they are endangered! A few decades ago, the lake was still home to many crocodiles, turtles and water snakes. The area still holds globally-important species, but in much smaller numbers. Don't be scared of swimming in the lake, because wild crocodiles are getting more and more rare! Most are now actually raised in farms on and around the lake. As a result, little is known about their life in the wild. On the contrary, turtles live exclusively in the wild. They don't like living in groups and lay their eggs on land. They can be found in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand but are no longer very numerous. Most of the snakes live permanently underwater, only coming to the lake's surface to breathe. They are also hunted, yet seem to reproduce quite quickly…but for how long? [next] |
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