Zoos Victoria’s partnership program for
the world’s most threatened crocodile
Chris Banks
Manager Conservation Partnerships
• Small (3m total length), mainly freshwater species.
• Only ever found in the Philippines.
• Lives mainly as single dispersed individuals.
Basis for conservation concern
• 1982 nationwide survey: maximum of 500-1,000
individuals and no more than 100 adults left.
• Pre-1985: no protection of wild crocodiles and no actions
to counter threats. Government view that species cannot
be saved in the wild, despite listing by Philippine
Government.
• 1987: first coordinated captive breeding program
established (Palawan Island).
 The most threatened species of crocodile in the world:
• IUCN: Critically Endangered.
• Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG): highest priority.
Initiating a national recovery program
• First CSG Global Action Plan (1992)
recommended “a national crocodile
management program” as highest
priority for the species.
• National Recovery Plan endorsed and
published in 2000. Revised in 2005 and
2009.
• National Recovery Team established by
Philippine Government Special Order in
2000.
• ZV holds International Coordinator
position on Recovery Team.
Situation in 1998-99:
• No protection of wild Philippine Crocodiles.
• Very little knowledge of wild populations and numbers.
• No understanding of the species’ ecology.
• Very low or no community awareness >> negative attitudes.
• No capacity to release captive-bred crocodiles.
• Minimal global support.
• Key threats: habitat loss, killing (direct & indirect) and negative
perceptions of crocodiles.
Much subsequent progress > > >
Wild Philippine Crocodile locations in 2000
All known localities with historical and
recent C. mindorensis observations
Dalupiri
Confirmed extinct
Possibly surviving
Luzon
Confirmed extant
Likely extinct
Mindoro
Masbate
Busuanga
Samar
Only two viable populations
– in north-east Luzon Island
and central Mindano Island.
Not possible to access latter
site.
Negros
Jolo
Mindanao
North-east Luzon – the best option for recovering the species
• Wild Philippine Croc confirmed in March 1999.
• Critical factor underpinning success of this program – previous
5 years building trust and goodwill between all local
stakeholders.
• Since become the only viable in situ conservation program for
the species.
• In situ conservation focus of Zoos Victoria’s support for
Philippine Crocs.
Note: small, low level community projects in central Mindanao
Island and Dalupiri Island off the north Luzon coast.
Region of focus – heavily cleared &
farmed lowlands (Cagayan River
valley), rugged uplands (Northern
Sierra Madre).
Conservation challenge:
- How to conserve a critically
endangered crocodile in a
local context characterised
by rural poverty, civil
insurgence, a lack of
government control, very
limited access to education
and information, and
negative community
perceptions of crocodiles?
North-east Luzon
• Based in San Mariano Municipality, Isabela Province.
• Small local protection project commenced in May 1999.
• First regional program (2000) – Crocodile Research,
Observation & Conservation (CROC). Supported by ZV.
• In 1999-2000, adult numbers less than 10.
• Breeding confirmed at only three locations – Disulap River,
Lake Dunoy and Dinang Creek. Each less than 2ha.
Mabuwaya Foundation – ZV’s
field partner
• CROC >> Mabuwaya Foundation
in 2003. Registered Philippine ngo.
• “Mabuhay” (long life) and
“buwaya” (crocodile) = long live
the crocodile.
• Based at Isabela State
University.
Mabuwaya – program objectives
1. Action research:
•
Surveys.
•
Head-starting.
2. Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA)
campaigns :
•
School programs & community drama.
•
Community benefits.
3. Protection and ecosystem management:
•
Community-managed sanctuaries.
4. Capacity building:
•
Training
ACTION RESEARCH
Joint research projects to fill
knowledge gaps on species
ecology
Understanding
breeding parameters
Re-enforcement program – head-starting:
Issue: wild population needs supplementing to enable numbers
that can cope with mortalities of very small crocodiles from
typhoons and predators, and illegal collection.
1. Protect nests.
2. Collect hatchlings in high risk areas.
3. Rear hatchlings in captivity for 18 months.
4. Construct ‘soft release’ ponds.
5. Release juveniles in ponds.
6. Monitor released crocodiles.
Head-starting – local community participate throughout:
OUTCOMES:
• Wild population increased from less than 10 subadults/adults in 1999 to just over 100 in 2013.
• Six crocodile sanctuaries established.
• Released crocodiles observed in areas where species had
been wiped out.
• Significant increase in knowledge of species ecology.
• Dramatic reduction in number of crocodiles killed – more
than 10 per year before 2000 to one per year from 2007.
• Local people trained in monitoring wild crocodiles and
rearing in captivity.
Communication, Education & Public Awareness:
mobilizing public support for Philippine crocodile conservation
OUTCOME:
The Philippine Crocodile is now the mascot of San Mariano
Municipality and widely recognised as the flagship for
wetland protection.
PROTECTION AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT
PROTECTION AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Addresses larger threats
to local communities
Benefits - improved fish
stocks (13 fish sanctuaries)
and more sustainable land
use.
CAPACITY BUILDING
Communities
managing and
protecting six
crocodile sanctuaries
Program successful because:
• Intensive and continuous communication
• Functional/meaningful participation of local communities.
• Locally embedded conservation initiatives.
• Ordinances are locally specific and relevant to people living in
the area, resulting in greater enforcement outcomes.
• Increased local control over resource use and environmental
degradation: the crocodile is a symbol for local sustainable
development.
• More fish and protected watersheds.
• Increased income: employment, nest protection and improved
access to market for farm products.
Highlights to government that the species can be conserved.
Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park:
• Habitat protection and reforestation.
• Threatened species research.
ZV’s other partnership roles:
1. Strengthening global zoo support.
•
International Coordinator: Philippine Crocodile Recovery Team
6 European zoos via Danish
Crocodile Zoo.
6 North American zoos via
Gladys Porter Zoo.
On-site program profile at Melbourne Zoo.
•
First received crocodiles in 1993, via
Agreement with Silliman University.
•
Species behaviour presents husbandry
challenges.
Facilitated school relationship: Holy Spirit and San Isidro
Builds student understanding,
improves school resources in San
Isidro and strengthens local support
for crocodiles.
CROCS Sponsor Program: Crocodiles in the River and Our
Children in School
• Links children from Cadsalan Integrated School, Dinang
Creek site, with the crocodile rearing station in San Mariano.
• Children participate in feeding and measuring crocodiles,
and learn about crocodile ecology and wetland conservation –
strengthens community engagement.
• School benefits by pump wells for clean water.
• All 426 students (elementary and high school) receive school
supplies (notebooks, pens, pencils, etc.).
• AUD.1,500 for two years.