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Friday, March 29, 2024

Fast facts: Philippine crocodile

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Among the rare animals native to the Philippines is the Philippine crocodile, which unfortunately is now critically endangered. Although crocodiles in general are regarded as fearsome predators, conservation of critically endangered species such as the Philippine crocodile is important as they play a crucial role in keeping ecosystems balanced.

Fast facts: Philippine crocodile
The Irwin Family stars in a show that features awe-inspiring stories and adventures on wildlife conservation.

Know more about this endangered species to help raise conservation awareness: 

1. Crocodile are prehistoric reptiles that survived the extinction of dinosaurs. Crocodiles are actually closely related to dinosaurs.

2. The buwaya (crocodile) was regarded sacred by the ancient Tagalog people as they believed crocodiles ferry departed souls safely to the land of the dead. In fact, crocodiles were held so sacred that to kill one was punishable by death.

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Fast facts: Philippine crocodile
An adult Crocodylus mindorensis basks in the morning sun. (Photo by Gregg Yan)

3. The Philippine crocodile is one of the most critically endangered freshwater crocodiles in the world with only an estimated 250 adult Philippine crocodiles left in the wild.

4. The massive decline of the Philippine crocodile was caused by excessive over-exploitation for commercial use.

5. The Philippine crocodile has been completely wiped out in Samar, Jolo, Negros, Masbate, and Busuanga. However, small populations still survive in the Luzon rainforest, Babuyan Islands, and Bukidnon.

For more awe-inspiring stories and adventures on wildlife conservation, tune in to Crikey! It’s The Irwins at 9:00 p.m. on Animal Planet. The Irwin Family continues the legacy of Steve Irwin “The Crocodile Hunter” through their work at the Australian Zoo.

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