My First Trip to the Philippines

Mabuhay Buwaya

"Why The Philippine Crocodile Isn't So Well"

By Hunter Byrd

In the vanishing rain forests of the Philippines – a country comprised of over 7,000 islands – lives a critically endangered species: the Philippine crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis.

Description

The Philippine crocodile is a small-to-medium sized crocodilian growing to lengths of 8-9 feet (2.5m).  It is one of two species of crocodile found in the Philippines, the other the infamous IndoPacific or saltwater crocodile Crocodylus porosus. Though several distinctions exist between the two species, particularly size, villagers still view the Philippine crocodile as a threat to livestock and their community.  Along with habitat destruction, this confusion between these animals is a major factor that has brought the Philippine crocodile to near extinction.

Some crocodilians build mounds as a method of nesting, while others dig holes for depositing their eggs, and some, like the Philippine crocodile, do both.  Varying slightly, the ranges of C. porosus and C. mindorensis are contiguous.  According to firsthand studies, the IndoPacific crocodile prefers large wetlands and coastal regions with mangrove forests.  While the Philippine crocodile has been found in these same habitats, it also inhabits creeks, rapidly flowing rivers, and wetlands further inland.  As the Philippine crocodile is the smaller species, it is possible that habitat differentiation occurred to prevent predation from C. porosus.

Scattered populations of C. mindorensis can be found in the Philippines.  My seven week expedition in this beautiful country allowed me to experience crocodile night surveys and reintroductions in the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (N.S.M.N.P.) on the eastern half of the island of Luzon.  Reports state that there is a population of Philippine crocodiles on the southern island of Mindanao, but due to political instability and possible terrorist activity, population studies and surveys conducted by foreigners and even locals are highly discouraged.  However, in Luzon’s N.S.M.N.P., studies and conservation efforts led by the Mabuwaya Foundation have been a true success.

In May of 2012, members of the Crocodile Specialist Group assessed the remaining numbers of the isolated populations of the species.  They concluded there remained less than 125 C. mindorensis in the wild.  Fortunately for the crocodiles, the Mabuwaya Foundation is helping protect the reptiles and educate local communities about them.  The name Mabuwaya is a combination of Mabuhay buwaya translating into “Long live, the crocodile”.  The conservation organization is comprised of researchers, students, and volunteers, primarily from the Netherlands and the Philippines. I was fortunate enough to become Mabuwaya’s first U.S. volunteer, though they have received funding and support from several zoos and conservationists based in the States.

My Dutch roommate Christiaan holding his first crocodile.

Behavior

At one time, scientists and researchers debated whether or not the Philippine crocodile was a subspecies of the New Guinea crocodile Crocodylus novaeguineae.  The final conclusion thus far is that C. mindorensis is its own separate species.  Like all crocodilians, the Philippine crocodile is ectothermic or not being capable of regulating its own body temperature.  My observations showed, like the observations of Mabuwaya researchers, that Philippine crocodiles tend to be more active during the later portion of the day (afternoon/evening) leading up to the night, much like American alligators Alligator mississippiensis. The crocodiles typically stay in the water during the morning as air temperatures are cooler and bask on partially submerged or floating logs when the temperature has risen.  They will sunbathe until nightfall, at which point, they descend back into the water to hunt for food.

  

Like other crocodiles, the Philippine crocodile is an opportunistic predator feeding on anything it can seize and overpower.  Philippine crocodiles prey upon animals such as fish, birds, other reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals.  As stated earlier, Philippine crocodiles do sometimes prey upon dogs and livestock of local communities.  This is part of the reason why it is difficult to persuade villagers to protect (or at least not kill) the reptiles.

Villagers being educated about the importance of crocodiles.

In the municipality of San Mariano, the Mabuwaya Foundation oversees a head-start program encouraging the reintroduction of juvenile Philippine crocodiles back into the wild.  Before time of release, researchers collect growth data on all the crocodiles for the period of time they are kept in captivity.  Specific tail scutes are removed for identification of each individual.  Veterinarians also inspect each crocodile selected for release to ensure it is in good health.  The reintroduction process took place at a small man-made reservoir called Dunoy Lake II.  This small wetland is located within the boundaries of the N.S.M.N.P. and is protected by locals in the area.  Surrounded by lush green rainforest, Dunoy Lake II is prime crocodile habitat.

 

During my stay, we made two trips out to Dunoy Lakes I and II.  The first trip was for reintroduction and the second was to conduct day and night-time surveys.  My job was to photograph and film the crocodiles' behavior.  Though the lakes were small, it was difficult getting close to the animals through the thick foliage without spooking them.  This is why the majority of my footage was captured from the Crocodile Tower which overlooked the entire body of Dunoy Lake I.

 

While “croc watching” at Dunoy Lake I, I noticed that the animals favored certain areas of the lake.  My assumption was that the crocodiles had established specific territories for themselves and would stay within the general vicinities.  Juvenile crocodiles around the 2.5-3 foot range stayed closer to the tower near the “front” of the lake regularly coming out in an open area of water between two vegetated areas.  Further back, around 3/4^th’s the length of the wetland, a large tree projected out of the water.  This log was regularly used in the afternoon by a larger juvenile within the 4-5 foot range.  I assumed this was its favorite spot.  At the rear of the lake, a mature female had established a territory and nesting area.  Though we did not locate a nest or see her during daylight hours, we did get a large reflection of an eye shine one night which we believed was her.

Juvenile Philippine crocodile basking on a log in Dunoy Lake I.

During the nesting season, Mabuwaya researchers have witnessed female C. mindorensis fleeing from their nests whenever the researchers approached.  This behavior may suggest that it is not as protective or defensive compared to other species such as C. porosus or A. mississippiensis.  Locals have told Mabuwaya researchers they have seen Philippine crocodile mothers carry their offspring to the water, demonstrating parental care. Many crocodilian species exhibit this behavior, but there are exceptions to the rule, such as the False Gharial Tomistoma schlegelii found on the neighboring island of Borneo. (The author did not observe any C. mindorensis nesting or parenting behavior and is relying on researchers’ observations.)

At the rearing station in San Mariano, an adult male and female C. mindorensis were kept in separate holding exhibits, except for breeding purposes.  The ponds were heavily vegetated and stocked with fish which the crocodiles seemed to prefer as I never once saw them out of the water, even though they had substantial land areas.  In a neighboring outdoor enclosure another pond had been constructed and was home to a group of larger juveniles.  They were much more active compared to their adult counterparts, regularly moving about and basking on a large rock.  This pond also had aquatic vegetation, but wasn’t as dense as the adults'.  Inside, the smallest crocodiles were kept in individual holding tubs which eliminated fighting and competition for food.  These little guys were ferocious, jumping at the camera in an attempt to ward it off.  Thankfully they weren’t but about a foot in length and I wasn’t wanting to get too close invading their personal space.  I don’t blame them for being a little camera shy, especially after handling: being weighed and measured.  It’s okay, some of them got lucky and were later reintroduced back into the wild, but not before taking a bite out on one of the researcher’s before saying “Goodbye”.

Philippine crocodile at the rearing station.

Paradise

The N.S.M.N.P. is probably the most beautiful place on earth that I have ever seen and experienced.  Okay, maybe second, but it’s a close call.  Most people wouldn’t call outdoor plumbing or eating fish chunk soup a luxury, but I tell you it was paradise.  Whenever you walked outside at night and looked up at the sky, the amount of stars gazing down upon you would leave you in awe.  I’ve never seen so many stars before.  To be honest, I couldn’t comprehend the feeling that I was staring directly into the heavens.  If I had to describe it in one word, it would have to be “breathtaking”.  Even more awe-inspiring than the galaxies overhead was the mountainous rainforest just across the river.

 

The Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park is an ecological hotspot for endemic species.  For example, the Philippine crocodile is an endemic species as it can only be found in the Philippines and nowhere else on earth naturally.  What is exciting and yet terrifying is that in the N.S.M.N.P. there are many species that have yet to be discovered and many more so waiting to be studied.  Due to unsustainable farming and illegal logging practices the N.S.M.N.P. is being destroyed at an increasingly alarming rate.  Like the Philippine crocodile, the park needs physical protection rather than a document stating it is a protected and preserved area.  The economic potential this region has could easily surpass the little profit (if there is even a long-term profit) being made from illegal logging and inefficient agricultural activities.  Unfortunately, this environmental conundrum is occurring throughout Southeast Asia’s unique rainforests.  The amount of diversification and speciation in this region is suggested to be the greatest in the world, but also the most endangered.  This is because of the ever-increasing populations of human civilizations encroaching upon wildlife habitat.

Without groups like the Mabuwaya Foundation, species like the Philippine crocodile would be lost.  It’s our job to educate the world about protecting and appreciating the resources Mother Earth has blessed us with. 

Author’s Note

After observing C. mindorensis in the wild and at the rearing station, I took a trip to a zoo (which shall remain unnamed) and I was disheartened by the living conditions of a crocodile being kept there.  Not only did I believe the enclosure was much too small, but the animal seemed restless, probably hoping it was about to be fed.  The crocodile would circle its exhibit swimming around from one side of its pool to the other, climb out on its undersized bank (about the width of the crocodile) walk to the end of its land area, plop down, dry off for a few minutes and then repeat.  This was the animal’s life.  There was no vegetation for security from the public or soil which could provide relief on the animal’s feet.  Fortunately, there were fish in the pool so hopefully that offered some variation to the crocodile’s daily routine.  After working at an alligator sanctuary which provided large earthen ponds and feeding shows for enrichment and then a zoo which kept some of its off-display crocodilians in undersized livestock water troughs, it has been brought to my attention that crocodilian behavior, husbandry and enrichment need to be further studied and in my opinion reassessed and reviewed. Crocodilians are highly intelligent creatures and though may not be as active as mammals, should not in any way be condemned to live in conditions that would drive mammals and birds psychologically manic. 

Thank You

I want to give a special "Thank you" to Mr. Jonathan Engi for previewing and editing my story. Your writing skills are superb my friend.  

I would also like to thank my UCA Zoology professor, Dr. Vickie McDonald, and boss, Mr. Kent Justus for believing in me and helping me move forward with this project.

Most importantly, I want to thank everyone at the Mabuwaya Foundation for giving me the experience of a lifetime!  Without you all, this story would not have been possible.  My sincerest thanks to Dr. Jan van der Ploeg, Dr. Merlijn van Weerd,  Willem van de Ven, Marites Balbas, Wilda Calapoto, Dominic Rodriguez, Arnold Macadangdang, Edmund Jose, Ronald Addatu, Myrna Cauilan-Cureg, Amante Yog-Yog, Chris Johns, Joost Besijn, Christiaan Jolly, Lorelaine Galinggana and Melody Capal for all of your help and support.  I love and miss you all!