Endangered Philippine crocodile habitat found near lake in San Mariano, Isabela

Efforts are being made to declare an area near a lake in San Mariano, Isabela to be declared a critical habitat amid a discovery of critically endangered Philippine crocodiles.

In the report of GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon on Thursday, a site validation and monitoring is now being conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in coordination with the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the province, which has found several eggs and crocodiles.

After finding two nests of unhatched eggs, two juveniles and two adult crocodiles, authorities have advised that the area be declared a critical habitat ro protect the rare reptiles.

The experts said that the discovery is proof that the area serves as the home, nesting ground and a breeding area of a type of crocodiles that are in danger of extinction.

According to the website of the Smithsonian's National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute, the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae mindorensis) "is widely considered to be one of the most threatened crocodilian species in the world."

"With an estimated wild population ranging from fewer than 100 to around 250 mature adults, their numbers have plummeted due to habitat loss and historical over-hunting," the Smithsonian said. —RF, GMA News