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THE PHILIPPINES CROCODILE

COMMON NAMES:
Philippine Crocodile, Mindoro crocodile, Philippine freshwater crocodile

DISTRIBUTION:
Philippines (islands of Busuanga, Jolo, Luzon, Masbate, Mindanao, Mindoro, Negros, Samar are part of the historical range, but the current distribution is largely unverified - reported to be extirpated from Jolo, Luzon, Masbate and Samar).

HABITAT:
Mainly restricted to freshwater areas - e.g. small lakes and ponds, small river tributaries.

STATUS:
IUCN-International Union of Conservation of Nature (CRITICALLY ENDANGERED)
Estimated wild population: under 200
Summary: Considered at very high risk of extinction due to small populations, limited distribution, negative local attitudes and ineffective management

APPEARANCE:
The Philippine crocodile is a relatively small species - males generally do not grow larger than 9ft., with females being smaller. Has a relatively broad snout for a crocodile.

DIET:
Mainly aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates.

BREEDING:
This species constructs a relatively small mound nest, into which the female deposits between 7 and 20 eggs. Incubation time is approximately 85 days. The female exhibits parental care.

CONSERVATION:

Although this species was once found over the whole of the Philippines, it is now very critically threatened. In addition to this, very little is known about the natural history or ecology of the species. More surveys are required to determine the present range.