Indo-Pacific crocodiles
also need conservation

Last week this column made a strong plea to conserve the endemic Philippine Crocodile. Today, I am also recommending not only the commercial use of the Indo-Pacific Crocodile but also its conservation whenever and wherever it is feasible to do so. The reason for this suggestion is the significant direct impact of this species on aquatic communities that could lead to improvement of human life. I refer to its role as keystone species in Philippine river systems and marshes. Like the Philippine Crocodile, this crocodile could improve crop and fishery production, a researchable topic for ecologically-minded students.

There are a number of natural aquatic areas where the Fittkau hypothesis based on observations on caimans in South America, described in the preceding column in this newspaper, can be tested.

The Agusan and Ligawasan Marshes on Mindanao, Naujan Lake on Mindoro Island, and the islands of Bugsuk and Balabac off southern Palawan Island are among the natural habitats that can possibly be utilized for controlled experiments. In addition, our friends in the private sector already involved in crocodile captive breeding may be able to create similar situations conducive to experimental manipulation to verify the hypothesis. A couple of Graduate School students have signified their intention to conduct the suggested research under our guidance at Silliman University.

It is important that competent and experienced ecologists/natural scientists with track records in scholarly publications should be available to guide these students to ensure credible and reliable research observations complete with adequate controls. Unfortunately, not many senior researchers are found in the Philippines, and research outputs often suffer from lapses in methodology and/or data analysis. This situation must not be allowed to continue. What are needed are well-trained research academics, which are still in short supply in this country---a challenge to academic institutions. Conservation areas for both species of crocodiles in the Philippines are therefore needed. These areas must be protected, and the only viable strategy for crocodile conservation, based on my wide and long experience in the conservation of herpetofauna is that which involves scientists, the private sector, local communities and local government units with the Department of Environment serving as program facilitator and overseer of national policy.

I am referring to our Filipino people, not to foreigners. The Philippines has produced some competent conservationists and educators who must lead the way for crocodile conservation but are open to assistance from outsiders.

The Crocodile Forum could well start the identification of discrete populations and habitats (islands, lakes, marshes, swamps) and the outlines of specific projects (research, conservation) for both species to be carried out this year.*