Physical Description
The Philippine crocodiles is brown with black markings and heavily armored. It has a broad snout for a crocodile.
Size
It is a smaller member of the crocodile family, with males growing up to 10 feet (3 meters) long. Females are typically smaller.
Native Habitat
Philippine crocodiles were once prevalent throughout the Philippines but are currently only found in small, fragmented habitats on the islands of Dalupiri, Luzon and Mindanao. They primarily live in freshwater rivers, ponds and marshes.
Food/Eating Habits
Philippine crocodiles eat fish, aquatic invertebrates, small mammals, other reptiles and some birds. At the Smithsonian's National Zoo, they receive crocodile pellets, smelt, rats and mice.
Conservation Efforts
The Philippine crocodile is one of the most endangered crocodilian species, with estimates of wild populations fewer than 100. Their major threats include hunting and habitat destruction.
Since 2003, the Mabuwaya Foundation has worked with local populations to change the perception of this species, as well as to protect and create new habitat and nesting sites. They have been successful in routinely breeding this species.
Part of their conservation efforts include a "head start" program in which they release the young crocodiles into specially built, protected habitats. The foundation is financially supported by a cooperative agreement of zoos exhibiting this species, including the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.
Philippine crocodiles were considered a subspecies of the New Guinea crocodile (Crocodylus novaguineae). Not much is known about them, but recent conservation efforts and captive management programs are adding to the body of research.
