Winner of the Whitley Award donated by WWF-UK
The endemic and critically endangered Philippine crocodile is one of the rarest animals on the planet. Although respected by indigenous communities, the crocodiles have an image problem with outsiders. To many they are viewed as man-eaters and are even associated with corrupt politicians! In reality, the crocodile is small and will not attack people unless provoked.
On the brink
Previously widely distributed throughout the Philippines, this species is now only found in Northern Luzon and South-western Mindanao Islands. Occurring mostly outside of protected areas, crocodiles are threatened by hunting and habitat loss. Hatchling survival is also very low and there are not enough unspoilt water bodies for juvenile crocodiles to grow up in safety.
Thanks to Tess and her team at Mabuwaya Foundation, community support for crocodile and wetland conservation on Luzon Island has already been mobilised with considerable success. Four community managed crocodile sanctuaries have been established and the crocodile population has increased from just 12 in 2001 to more than 100 in 2012. The number of crocodile killings by humans has also decreased from thirteen in 1998 to one in 2013.
Her project aims to:
- Increase the Philippine crocodile population through nest protection, head-starting and release of hatchling crocodiles, and habitat restoration.
- Create two new crocodile sanctuaries and build capacity for their protection.
- Engage local communities in conservation through education and awareness campaigns.
Why it matters:
- Fewer than 100 non-hatchling Philippine crocodiles remain in the wild with only 10 adults occurring in Luzon Island.
- Without urgent conservation action the Philippine crocodile will become extinct.
- The species occurs nowhere else on Earth.
“The people we work with want to protect the crocodiles. They don’t fear the animal anymore but are very proud of it.”