Question for Mario Lutz about C. mindorensis

I have a great interest about crocodilians and I just want to know:

How is the status of the wild population of Philippines Crocodiles actually ?

The latest news i have is on the Crocodiles Specialist Group site:

In 1994, the wild population was about 100 non-hatchlings.

Do you have such infos ?... and I hope you have some good news for me about this endangered specie ...

Thanks!

Marc Dubois

Hello Marc,

sorry for the late reply, i overlooked your question somehow..

well, the conservation status is simple:

the Crocodylus mindorensis is in fact, the most critically endangered crocodilian species in the world, and even more sad, no one seem to be interested to safe the Philippine Freshwater Croc.

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, or its relationship with C. porosus, whose range it overlaps. More surveys are required to determine the present range. Initial population reduction was through commercial exploitation, although the current threat is mainly from removal of suitable habitat for agricultural purposes to satisfy a rapidly expanding human population. There is also very limited governmental support for any conservation measures, and the crocodiles are often killed by the local populace. This situation needs to be changed through awareness programs. Long-term captive breeding and release (through Silliman University and international breeding centres) is judged to be the best course to take at the present time, although it is imperative that a management program is drawn up for the remainder of the wild population (most of which resides in only one protected area). In 1992, there were estimated to be less than 1000 animals in the wild. In 1995, that estimate was revised to be no more than 100 non-hatchlings (note: hatchlings are rarely counted in surveys because their survivorship is so low).

2007, a specialist group in the Philippines has been founded be several people, involved in crocodilan conservation. I am an Founding Member of the Crocodile Conservation Society Philippines and serve as general secretary for now.

well, once believed to be in possession of more than 1000 captive animals, we simply find out, that in in the Philippines in captivity are many crossbreed (Crocodylus novaguineae x Crocodylus mindorensis) can be found... the real pure-blood C.mindorensis must be less than 300 Animals in captivity too.

i try to raise funds since years in order to set up an professional leaded conservation breeding program, but i have been very unsuccessful so far. even there are an existing croc specialist group within the IUNC, nothing groundbreaking happen till now. lots of policy gaps and somehow not much interest by the government makes it even more difficult. luck of funding makes it very difficult for NGO´s to do the badly needed studies on possible release sites. i focus right now on building a breeding facility here at herpaworld. lets see if we will be able to raise enough money for the construction of the facilities and for the feedings in the future..

fact is, it has to be done everything in order to safe this awesome species. i will do my part, i am very committed to the "Freshies" here..


cheers
M.

Thanks a lot Mario for this up-date.

Quote :

i focus right now on building a breeding facility here at herpaworld. lets see if we will be able to raise enough money for the construction of the facilities and for the feedings in the future..

Great!! and good luck for this project!

in a near future, i hope this rare crocodilian will have a increasing number in captivity and BTW in the wild.

Marc