Children discover, protect critically endangered endemic crocodile nest

Eggs of the critically endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) discovered by children in San Mariano, Isabela. (Photo from MABUWAYA FOUNDATION) MANILA, Philippines — A group of children in San Mariano, Isabela discovered a nest of the critically endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) last week. The Mabuwaya Foundation said the children, Gisele Rabago and her brother, were playing behind their house, beside a pig pen, when they saw what appeared to be a crocodile nest. It said the eggs were located on a path leading to the creek. Article continues after this advertisement Rabago initially thought the eggs belonged to a duck, so he brought one to his father, who suspected that it could be a crocodile egg. Since the nest could be at risk, they immediately reported their discovery to Bantay Santuwaryo member and Brgy. Kagawad Marlon Robles, who responded by inspecting the nest and find out how to protect it. READ: ‘Bukarot’ croc rescued in Valenzuela waters With the recommendation of the Mabuwaya Foundation, the nest was carefully covered with bamboo twigs placed around the location as protective markers to help lessen the risk of predation and accidental disturbance. A temperature data logger and a camera trap were likewise installed for long-term monitoring. Article continues after this advertisement The newly discovered nest will be regularly monitored by the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Bantay Santuwaryo to ncheck its condition, minimize potential threats, and document its progress through hatching. READ: Hope for the crocs Article continues after this advertisement With the finding of the nest, the conservation group has now documented seven during the present nesting season. It said that the discovery highlights the importance of community participation in Philippine crocodile conservation. Back in 2020, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said some estimates suggest that there were only less than 140 of the freshwater species endemic to the country left in the wild. “The children’s decision to report the nest, rather than disturb it, allowed immediate protection measures to be put in place,” the Mabuwaya Foundation said. “Their vigilance, together with the prompt response of the Bantay Santuwaryos, and continued technical guidance from the Mabuwaya Foundation, contributes to improving the breeding success of the Critically Endangered Philippine crocodile,” it added. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. As part of Mabuwaya Foundation’s community-based nest protection program, Rabago received a P500 crocodile nest reward, an amount she would split with her older brother, who was with her when the nest was discovered. /apl