SEAVR 2022: 007‐008
ISSN: 2424‐8525
Date of publication: 18 July 2022
Hosted online by ecologyasia.com

Additional records on the altitudinal range of Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylusmindorensis) in Abra Province, Luzon Island, Philippines
Meljory D. CORVERA & Rainier I. MANALO
philippinecroc@gmail.com

Observer: Meljory D. Corvera.
Photographs by: Meljory D. Corvera.
Subject identified by: Rainier I. Manalo.
Location: Barangay Alaoa, Tineg, Abra, Philippines.
Elevation: ca. 240 metres ASL.
Habitat: Freshwater river with large boulders along the banks.
Date and time: 07 April 2022, 08:57 hrs.
Identity of subject: Philippine Crocodile, Crocodylus mindorensis (Reptilia: Crocodilia).
Description of record: A crocodile track was found on the mud on the side of a small waterlogged area adjacentto the Binungan river system at an elevation of approximately 240 mASL (Figure 1). The track, apparently made bya right front foot, distinctively belongs to a crocodile due to its relatively short, thick toes, unlike those of monitor
lizards which are relatively long and slender (Simpson, 2006). Local residents reported frequent sightings of small‐
sized crocodiles in the area up until current times. Of the two species of crocodile present in the Philippines, only
Crocodylus mindorensis is known to inhabit high elevation freshwater habitats surrounded by limestone karst andlarge boulders.

Fig. 1. Crocodile track on mud at Binungan River.

© M.D.Corvera

7

Fig. 2. Philippine Crocodile in captivity caught in the 90’s from Binungan River, Tineg, Abra.

© M.D.Corvera

Remarks: This record provides additional proof that the species continue to exist in the area at high altitudes andthat the need for a more focused survey is necessary. Its presence in the highlands of the Cordillera Region wasfirst documented by Manalo (2008) at 850 mASL. The captive individual in Figure 2 was included in the said study
and is currently under the care of wildlife registered permitee. In 2012, biological specimens collected in Lake Sebu
at 753‐798 mASL were confirmed to be those of the Philippine Crocodile, based on morphometric measurements
and DNA analysis (Manalo et al., 2018). These findings contradicted previous beliefs that the animal can only befound in the lowlands.
The species was last assessed by IUCN in 2012 (van Weerd et al, 2016) as Critically Endangered (A2cd) based on theobserved and inferred population decline of 82% in both known localities in the last 75 years. Further studies on
this river system and similar altitudes in historic habitats need to be explored so that a more accurate
representation of the population status of C. mindorensis can be ascertained.
References:
Manalo, R.I. (2008). Occurrence of Crocodylus mindorensis in the Cordillera Central. Abra Province, Luzon Island. In:Alba, E. & Lagartija, M.(Eds) National Museum Papers. Proceedings Forum on Crocodiles in the Philippines. NationalMuseum of the Philippines, Ermita, Manila 14 (2008): 109–115.
Manalo, R.I., Fontanilla, I.K.C., Pedales, R.D., Pomares, C.C., and Corvera, M.D. (2018). Evidence on the Presence ofthe Critically Endangered Philippine Crocodile, Crocodylus mindorensis (Schmidt, 1935) in the Highlands of Daguma
Mountain Range, Lake Sebu, The Philippines. Multidisciplinary Advances in Veterinary Science 2.1 (2018): 276‐282.
Simpson, B.K. (2006). Siamese Crocodile Survey and Monitoring Handbook: An Introduction for Conservation
Workers in Cambodia. Fauna & Flora International, Cambodia Programme.
van Weerd, M., C. Pomares, C., de Leon, J., Antolin, R. & Mercado, V. (2016). Crocodylus mindorensis. The IUCN Red
ListofThreatenedSpecies
2016:
e.T5672A3048281.
https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016‐
3.RLTS.T5672A3048281.en. Accessed on 21 April 2022.

8