82% drop in Ph crocodile population alarmed DENR
By J.Lo
“Philippine crocodile, Mindorensis, holds distinction of being rarest crocodile species globally, facing an alarming 82 percent decline in known localities,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said during 29th Crocodile Conservation Week in Puerto Princesa City population of Philippine crocodiles has declined by 82 percent.
Ongoing threat includes habitat loss and human persecution, she added.
“As critically endangered species, conservation of Philippine crocodile is important to local communities in terms of both cultural and economic value, and assess potential to support livelihoods related to ecological tourism actually present today,” she noted.
Current wild population estimates stand at over 500 for Philippine crocodiles and over 6,000 for saltwater crocodiles, Loyzaga said.
Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC), formerly Crocodile Farming Institute, now shelters at least 1,000 Crocodylus mindorensis and Crocodylus porosus, she noted.
“As I heard this morning, there are at least 68 fresh and saltwater crocodiles, including those found in different parts of the Philippines, as far as Mindanao, composed of hatchlings, juveniles, sub-adults, and adults,” she said.
PWRCC has been successful in breeding Philippine crocodiles and saltwater crocodiles as sources of stocks to replenish wild populations, Loyzaga said.
Center also serves as national repository of rescued crocodiles that can be used for commercial breeding and source of breeder stocks, she noted.
“PWRCC remains ecotourism destination in Puerto Princesa, contributing to social, economic development and well-being of local communities that are engaged in protection and conservation of this valuable natural resource through activities such as guided tours and local crafts, one of the goals and objectives of the facility is to remove such species from International Union for Conservation of Nature list of critically endangered species,” she added.
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