Keeping the endangered RP crocodile alive
MANILA, Philippines - Did you know that the crocodylus mindorensis or the Philippine crocodile is considered to be “the most endangered species of crocodilian in the world?”
With only 100 left living in the world, the Philippine crocodile is endemic to the Philippine islands. In the past, the Philippine crocodiles were found all over the country but due to overexploitation, they have become one of the most severely threatened species in the world. Today, populations are known to survive only in a few areas in the country: Isabela, Abra, Samar, and North Cotabato.
“I want to visit Asia to learn more about the other breeds of crocodiles. In the Philippines, you have the crocodylus mindorensis or the Philippine crocodile which is actually one of my favorite crocodiles,” says Robbie Keszey, star of Swamp Brothers.
With the support of the government and a handful of private and foreign institutions, crocodile conservation and breeding has been strictly enforced in the country. These efforts have been commended by various international organizations. More recently, the main stars of Swamp Brothers, one of Animal Planet’s newest reality adventure series, have given their support to the foundation.
“The Philippines is doing wonderful work with the protection of the Philippine crocodile,” says Keszey. “I know that we have Philippine crocodiles here in the United States courtesy of your government that are set up for breeding for the promulgation of the species. This is really good news for reptile conservationists worldwide.”
Robbie and brother Stephen run Glades Herp Farms, Florida’s largest reptile sanctuary and exotic reptile dealership. Their farm also houses Florida’s International Teaching Zoo, which aims to inform citizens on how to protect and conserve wildlife.
From pythons to rogue bobcats, the brothers make it their business to track these beasts down, capture them, and return them to a safe environment — without losing life or limb in the process.
Follow the exploits and misadventures of the Keszeys in Animal Planet’s Swamp Brothers, and learn what is takes to protect our own reptile species.
Animal Planet is available in the Philippines on SkyCable Channel 40, Global Destiny Cable 54, Parasat Cable TV Channel 33, Cablelink Channel 24, Dream Satellite TV channel 25, Cable Star Iloilo Channel 8, Royal Cable Channel 43, SPC New World TV 43, and USATV Channel 36.
