A critically endangered Philippine freshwater crocodile was rescued by residents of Barangay Sarayan in President Roxas, Cotabato, and turned over to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) on June 3, 2025.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN (DENR-12), the female crocodile, which measures about 6.6 feet long and weighs approximately 60 kilograms, was first spotted by residents at a creek on May 30.

A veterinary examination confirmed that the crocodile is in good health.

The rescued animal is now under temporary care at the USM-Wildlife Rescue Center in Kabacan, where it will be monitored further before its planned release back into the wild.

“The Philippine freshwater crocodile is one of the world’s rarest crocodilian species and is endemic to the Philippines. It is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN Red List, as well as classified as Critically Endangered based on DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09,” DENR-12 said.

“The wild population is estimated to be very small, with only 92-137 mature individuals remaining. It is protected under Republic Act No. 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) due to threats from habitat loss and human activity,” it added.

DENR-12 lauded the swift action of residents and called on the public to report wildlife encounters to local authorities or the nearest DENR office to support ongoing conservation efforts.