Program Focus

Although once widespread across the Philippines, the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is now restricted to remnant populations in northern Luzon Island in the country’s north, and central Mindano Island in the south. Scattered individuals possibly remain in southern Negros Island, but these have not been confirmed. This program is focused on San Mariano Municipality in Isabela Province in the foothills of the Northern Sierra Madre Mountain Range, about 400km north-east of Manila. The area contains the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, the largest protected area in the Philippines at more than 350,000ha and considered by many national and international conservation bodies as the country’s “last great forest”.

The Philippine Crocodile was confirmed in this region in 1999, an event that led to a community-based conservation program that is now managed by the Mabuwaya Foundation (from Tagalog for “long life” [“mabuhay”] and “crocodile” [“buwaya”]). With the strong support of the local government, the Foundation works with the local farming communities to protect crocodiles and their habitat, establish community-managed sanctuaries for crocodiles and fish, and facilitate the development of village action plans that enable the broader environment to be managed sustainably. The Philippine Crocodile is a key vehicle for achieving these outcomes and is now the flagship for San Mariano town and its surrounding communities.

Project Plan

• The first National Recovery Plan for the Philippine Crocodile was jointly published in 2000 by the DENR-PAWB and ZV. This was updated in 2005 and has nine main objectives.
• Establish protected wild populations of Philippine Crocodiles and their habitats.
• Promote positive community attitudes to, and understanding of crocodiles in the Philippines.
• Coordinate captive management and encourage this as a vehicle to support in situ conservation.
• Determine the ecology of Philippine Crocodiles.
• Clarify population genetics of the species.
• Integrate conservation of Philippine Crocodiles with conservation of freshwater wetlands in the Philippines.
• Build partnerships to support conservation of Philippines Crocodiles and their habitats.
• Establish funding streams to support conservation actions.
• Ensure all relevant Philippine Government policies align with conservation of Philippine Crocodiles.
• To oversee implementation of the Recovery Plan, a National Recovery Team was established in 2000. Zoos Victoria is represented on the Team through the position of International Coordinator. This involves extensive liaison with zoos and other potential supporters in other countries, a well as our partners in the Philippines.

Monitoring Success

The effectiveness of this program is assessed by regular surveys of the three main sites in the San Mariano area by the CROC team (Crocodile, Rehabilitation, Observance & Conservation), enabling crocodile numbers to be recorded. A two year joint ecological study of one of the populations, together with radio-transmitters fitted to 15 released crocodiles across two sites, is adding significantly to our knowledge of the species' biology and behaviour.

The CROC team patrols also provide opportunities to meet with villagers and gain feedback on the development and implementation of the village action plans.

Achievements 

Many outstanding achievements have occurred since this program commenced. These include:

• Two Crocodile Sanctuaries established, based around two of the main breeding sites. These are patrolled by trained village representatives.
• Thirteen community fish sanctuaries established and managed by village communities.
• Annual funding from the San Mariano Municipal Government for the sanctuary protection groups.
• Local ordinances passed by the San Mariano Municipal Government for the protection of crocodiles, other wildlife and habitats.
• A significant decrease in the level of illegal activity in the area, e.g. dynamite fishing and illegal clearing of forest.
• An integrated community awareness program, including declaration of a Crocodile Week and adoption of the Philippine Crocodile as the flagship for San Mariano.
• Two regional conservation workshops, leading to 15 barangays (small communities) establishing and implementing local conservation action plans. These initially focused on crocodile conservation, but now encompass protection of water sources, sustainable gardening practices and reducing pollution.
• The village action plans form the basis for an overarching strategy for Philippine Crocodile conservation throughout the entire Northern Sierra Madre region.
• A nest protection scheme that rewards families for helping to guard a crocodile nest during incubation. Income from this has helped families and local communities through activities such as purchase of water purification units and materials for school children. These outcomes reinforce the value of the crocodile to the community.
• A headstart program that has seen the known wild (non-hatchling) Philippine Crocodile population in the area increase from 25 in 2004 to over 70 in 2008.
  Throughout the region, more than 500 people are now involved in the Foundation's activities.
  

Forward Priorities

All elements of the National Recovery Plan will be progressed, but for the in situ activities:

• Enhancing of the breeding sites in San Mariano, with the aim of linking them through ongoing habitat protection.
• Expansion of the head-start program to strengthen the wild population against the impacts of weather and unforeseen mortality.
• Implementing the Philippine Crocodile Recovery Project in Liguasan Marsh, Mindano Island.
• Development of sustainable livelihood options to reduce pressure on wild crocodile populations outside the area encompassed by the breeding sites.