NUEVA VIZCAYA: PHL CROCODILE MAY BE EXTINCT IN 10 YEARS
[PHOTO - Only 100 mature Philippine crocodiles are left in the wilds of Isabela and Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao. BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya]
BAYOMBONG, JANUARY 31, 2011 (STAR) By Charlie Lagasca - The Philippine crocodile, classified as critically endangered by the World Conservation Union, will be extinct in 10 years if no conservation measures are immediately undertaken.
The Mabuwaya Foundation Inc. (MFI), an organization engaged in protecting the species, said only 100 mature Philippine crocodiles are left in the wilds of Isabela and Liguasan Marsh in Maguindanao.
Philippine crocodiles (scientific name Crocodylus mindorensis) are endemic to the country. They thrive in freshwater and are non-threatening to humans unless provoked.
"The Philippine crocodile is the world's most severely threatened crocodile species. It is at a real risk of going extinct in the near future if no conservation action is taken," said Marites Balbas, communication officer of Mabuwaya Foundation.
The foundation collaborates with international conservationist group Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The foundation will release today 19 baby Philippine crocodiles in the wetlands of San Mariano in Isabela where 49 young crocodiles of same species had been released two years ago.
These were caught in hatchling stage and raised in captivity for a year and a half until it was determined that they could survive in the wild.
The procedure, called "head-starting," has been practiced since 2005 to raise the Philippine crocodile population by increasing the survival chances of newborn crocodiles in the wild.
The crocodiles will be released in honor of the inauguration of the foundation's Municipal Philippine Crocodile Rearing Station in San Mariano.
The population of Philippine crocodiles is threatened by hunting and the conversion of their natural habitat –creeks, ponds, and marshes – into residential or commercial spaces.
Another crocodile species endemic to the Philippines is the saltwater crocodile (Crocoydlus porosus). It is, however, not endangered like the Philippine crocodile.
The law prohibits hunting, killing, selling, and buying of the species. Violators will be fined P100,000.
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Chief News Editor: Sol Jose Vanzi
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