Reintroduction of captive-bred Philippine crocodiles

Published source details van Weerd M., Guerrero J., Balbas M., Telan S., van de Ven W., Rodriguez D., Masipi-Quena A., van der Ploeg J., Antolin R., Rebong G. & de Iongh H. (2010) Reintroduction of captive-bred Philippine crocodiles. Oryx, 44, 13-13.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Engage local communities in conservation activities Action Link
	Head-start wild-caught reptiles for release: Crocodilians Action Link

Engage local communities in conservation activities

A study in 1999–2009 in freshwater and riparian zones in northern Luzon, Philippines (van Weerd et al. 2010) found that after rural community members were paid a small incentive to protect Philippine crocodiles Crocodylus mindorensis in three crocodile sanctuaries, along with being subject to an education and public awareness campaign, the number of crocodiles killed reduced. No Philippine crocodiles were killed in the sanctuaries between 2007 and 2009. The authors reported that most people in the area knew that crocodiles were legally protected. After a small population of crocodiles was discovered in 1999, three crocodile sanctuaries were created. The sanctuaries were protected by local community members who were paid a small incentive. A communication, education and public awareness campaign about the risks facing the crocodile was carried out (dates not provided) in the local rural communities. Details of monitoring and reporting of crocodile killings are not provided.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)
Head-start wild-caught reptiles for release: Crocodilians

A study in 1999–2009 in freshwater and riparian zones in northern Luzon, Philippines (van Weerd et al. 2010; same experimental set-up as van de Ven et al. 2009) found that after releasing head-started Philippine crocodiles Crocodylus mindorensis, wild crocodile populations in sanctuaries managed by local communities increased in size. Following regular releases of wild-born Philippine crocodiles head-started in captivity, the crocodile population increased to 65 individuals in 2009 from 12 individuals in 2000. The authors reported that survival rates were high (no data are provided) and released crocodiles had no problems adapting to living in the wild. The authors reported that most people in the area knew that crocodiles are legally protected and no crocodiles were killed in the sanctuaries since 2007. After a small population of crocodiles was discovered in 1999, three crocodile sanctuaries were created. Between 2000 (start year not provided) and 2007, wild-born hatchling crocodiles were head-started in captivity for 14 months and then released into the wild. Details of numbers of crocodiles released each year and monitoring were not provided. A communication, education and public awareness campaign about the risks facing crocodiles was carried out in the local rural communities. Crocodile sanctuaries were protected by paid local community members.

(Summarised by: Katie Sainsbury)