DENR warns crocodile traders

MANILA, Philippines - Concerned environment officials yesterday urged crocodile traders to refrain from dealing in the endangered species of the reptile.

The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said only crocodile species Crocodylus porosus could be slaughtered for commercial purposes.

PAWB director Mundita Lim explained that if the crocodile reaches the age of four, they could be slaughtered.

Lim, however, warned of the proper manner of slaughtering a crocodile. She said the reptiles should not be made to take antibiotics “if they would be slaughtered for human consumption.”

“Apart from its meat cooked and used as main ingredient in several dishes, or roasted as they wish, the skin can be used in making bags, wallets, belt and other items,” Lim said.

Lim said the endangered species Crocodylus mindorensis is the type of crocodile that should just be left in the wild.

“We prohibit slaughter of this type of crocodile. Compared to Porosus, the Mindorensis type doesn’t really grow that big and they live in freshwater,” she said.

Lim noted that “Lolong,” the 21-foot crocodile caught in Agusan del Sur earlier this month, is a saltwater crocodile.

Lolong is believed to be the largest crocodile in the world caught alive.

Lim said Lolong is possibly suffering from stress and shock because of the sudden change of environment.

She noted Lolong was tied and gagged when the reptile was caught but said it would be unlikely that it will get sick or even die soon of trauma.

“This type of animals can survive for months even without food,” Environment Secretary Ramon Paje added.

PAWB data showed saltwater crocodiles are found primarily along mangrove-lined tidal rivers (in brackish water) up to 200 kilometers from the coast, and flood plain billabongs, creeks and freshwater swamps up to 100 kilometers.

They can also be found basking on the exposed mud of tidal riverbanks during the cooler months, but they spend more time in water and shade during the hotter months, coming out to hunt in the evening.

Environment officials said Lolong, though considered very old, should be respected and treated well since crocodiles form part of our ecosystem.