'Lolong' condition improving

MANILA, Philippines - The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) reported yesterday that the condition of the 21-foot crocodile “Lolong” has improved after it was earlier reported to be suffering from stress, although the animal has still refused to eat.

PAWB Director Mundita Lim said that though Lolong has not yet been eating, it has showed signs of becoming active again, especially at night.

“After its capture, it is expected for the crocodile to lose its appetite. However, the animal’s environment in captivity has improved after the crocodile pond was dug up to make it deeper and allow Lolong to completely submerge itself,” Lim said.

The crocodile is being kept at a fenced pond at remote barangay Consuelo in Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.

Lim said bureau employees are closely monitoring Lolong until he feeds on his own, even as his condition remains guarded.

Lolong, confirmed to be the largest crocodile in captivity in the country, was captured in Bunawan.

Local government officials and a team from the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center (PWRCC) captured the crocodile.

The PAWB said that only crocodiles belonging to the Porosus type are raised in farms and are allowed to be slaughtered.

“We have seven farms in the Philippines that utilize the crocodiles for commercial use, but the reptiles have to be second generation, captive bred. No crocodile could be taken from the wild without permit. This is usually given only if research is necessary or if it is proven that the animal poses a threat to human lives,” Lim explained.

She stressed that all species of crocodiles (Porosus and Mindorensis) are considered critically endangered.

Under the Wildlife Act (Republic Act 9147) that governs the management and conservation of crocodiles, the penalty for killing a crocodile (which is not legitimately farmed) is a maximum of 12 years in prison and a fine of P1 million.

“Most breeder crocs coming from PWRRC should be tagged. We require tagging or marking of captive bred crocs. We have a database of the stocks of the legitimate farmers so we could closely monitor the sources of the farmed crocs. If it is not documented with us, it is illegal and violators will be charged under the Wildlife Act,” Lim said.

She appealed to the public to help monitor the illegal slaughter of crocodiles.

“Crocodiles should also be respected and treated well since they form part of our ecosystem,” Lim added.