Conservation Introduction of the Philippine crocodile in Paghungawan Marsh, Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS), Surigao Del Norte, Philippines

Summary

The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), the world's second most Critically Endangered crocodilian with fewer than 200 mature individuals left in the wild, was introduced to Paghungawan Marsh on Siargao Island, outside its known historical range, combining habitat security with ecotourism potential. Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. built on decades of habitat suitability research by the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center, identifying the freshwater limestone marsh as ecologically suitable, and secured endorsement from local government and environmental authorities, who designated the marsh a Strict Protection Zone. In March 2013, 36 juvenile crocodiles bred from semi-wild captive stock were veterinary-screened, quarantined, and soft-released, while the village council banned fishing nets and toxic substances in the marsh and residents formed a community organization to protect and monitor the population and promote ecotourism centered on crocodile night-watching. Sixteen months of monitoring found the juveniles adapting well, resting communally, foraging at night without aggression, though some were killed by illegal gillnets before fishing gear was banned. Difficulties included building community support for changed fishing practices and coordinating government biophysical monitoring. The project rates itself successful, noting the released crocodiles developed appropriate territorial and predatory behavior while retaining natural wariness, and that community stewardship, formalized through local monitoring groups, has been central to its progress.