The concern was raised by some 40 leading experts from Vietnam, foreign donors, environmentalists and responsible agencies at a recent workshop on the protection of Siamese crocodiles, a wildlife species listed by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) as among the most endangered.

Participants asked investors of the Ba Ha hydro-power plant to conduct surveys on the project's impact on the local bio-diversity and include the information in their environmental report. The report should also cover possible immediate measures to protect the aquatic reptile species, said experts.

They also proposed that the Environmental Protection Department closely work with the Mekong Wetland Biodiversity Programme (MWBP) in preparing a comprehensive project on Siamese crocodile conservation. Measures should be taken to conduct surveys on the habitat of the rare reptile in the Central Highlands and southern central coasts such as the Krong H'Nang and Ba rivers in Gia Lai and Phu Yen provinces.

Responsible agencies and local administrations should tighten control over catches of Siamese crocodiles in these areas, experts said.