PAGADIAN CITY — A juvenile Philippine crocodile, one of the world’s rarest and most critically endangered reptiles, is now in the care of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region IX after being rescued from a fishpond in Barangay Bulatok.
The crocodile, estimated to be around one year old and nearly a meter in length, was voluntarily surrendered on December 22 by local resident Jefrey Cadonoy. He discovered the reptile trapped in his fishing net while harvesting fish earlier that morning.
Recognizing the wildlife species’ protected status, Cadonoy immediately reported the incident to authorities, allowing for a swift response from DENR-IX’s Conservation and Development Division — Protected Area Management and Biodiversity Conservation Section (CDD-PAMBCS).
DENR personnel safely transported the young crocodile to the Regional Wildlife Rescue Center IX in Baclay, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur, where it will undergo further assessment, rehabilitation, and care.
The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is endemic to the country and plays a crucial ecological role in freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, wetlands, and marshes. As a top predator, it helps maintain balanced fish populations and supports healthy aquatic ecosystems. However, habitat loss, illegal hunting, and negative public perception have pushed the species to the brink of extinction.
DENR-IX emphasized that community cooperation remains vital to conserving threatened wildlife. “Activities such as this reinforce our mandate to conserve biodiversity through science-based interventions and active community involvement,” the agency said.
The rescue highlights the continuing need to protect the few remaining Philippine crocodiles in the wild — a reminder that every individual saved contributes to the survival of the species.