The Community-based
Research, Observance and Conservation (CROC) project
aimed to provide a sound scientific basis for the design and
implementation of an in-situ crocodile
conservation strategy in Northeast Luzon. The results of the
CROC project are described in the final report of CROC. Here
we will summarize the most important achievements of the CROC
project.
One
of the major problems related to the conservation of the C.
mindorensis is the lack of reliable and up-to-date
scientific information (Banks 2000). Students from the Isabela
State University and Leiden University,
the Netherlands, have undertaken four interdisciplinary studies
to produce the information necessary to effectively protect
the Philippine crocodile in the wild.
An
extensive survey in all major watersheds of Northeast Luzon
confirmed the critically endangered status of the Philippine
crocodile. In most river systems of the Cagayan Valley, the
crocodile population has been largely wiped out due to hunting
and habitat loss. A minimum of 41 individuals still inhabits
the creeks of the upper portions of the Pinacanauan
de Ilagan River in the municipality of San Mariano.
These wetlands and rivers offer the best chance for the survival
of the Philippine crocodile in the wild. Two rivers, Siffu and
Apayao, in the uplands of the Cordillera have been identified
as potential crocodile areas.
A
methodological protocol for the ecological study of Crocodylus
mindorensis was developed and tested in the field.
For the first time ever, researchers were able to observe, and
film, territorial and mating behavior of the freshwater crocodiles
in their natural habitat.
The community-based crocodile sanctuary in Disulap
River, San Mariano, offers the best hope for the survival of
the species in the near future. Based on in-depth interviews
with local people, it was concluded that active participation
of local people is still very limited. Results of the socio-economic
impact assessment indicated that enforcing the rules and regulations
of the sanctuary would have a negligible effect on the livelihood
of the people living in and around the sanctuary. Strict protection
of crocodiles will not impede rural development, on the contrary!
A widely held negative community attitude towards crocodiles
is one of the major barriers to crocodiles in the Philippines.
Research shows that negative perceptions of crocodiles are inversely
correlated with actual experiences with, and knowledge of, the
animals. Culture is another important factor. Students of Isabela
State University have used these insights in the development
of an educational poster.
The
results of these four studies have:
(1)
Created the start of a sound scientific basis for the
design of a crocodile conservation strategy in Northeast Luzon.
(2) Improved the design of environmental educational
materials.
(3) Strengthened the implementation of the
community-based crocodile sanctuary in Disulap.
(4) Set up the foundations for a long-term
research and monitoring program of the Isabela State University.
Based
on the findings of the CROC project the following specific recommendations
are forwarded :
(1)
Generate more in-depth social and ecological data to improve
conservation efforts.
(2)
Execute intensive environmental information and awareness campaigns
on the conservation of the Philippine crocodile.
(3)
Strictly enforce rules and regulations in the existing crocodile
sanctuaries. Establish a crocodile sanctuary in Dinang creek,
San Mariano, with full consent of the local communities.
(4)
Assist communities around crocodile habitat to develop sustainable
resource use patterns.
(5)
Establish a local foundation to spearhead crocodile conservation
in Northeast Luzon.
(6)
Enhance the capacity of the Isabela State University
to develop a long-term student-led research and monitor program
for crocodile conservation.
(7)
Promote co-operation between all stakeholders in crocodile conservation
in Northeast Luzon.
The CROC follow up project will address these
issues and will continue to work in order to protect the Philippine
crocodile in its natural habitat.
