FINAL REPORT Exploratory Survey on the Population and

Habitat of Crocodiles in Agusan Marsh,

Eastern Mindanao, Philippines

April 2012

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Incorporated

CPPI Crocodile Conservation Program

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey i

 Table of Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................... iii

Key results..................................................................................................... iii

Conclusion and Recommendations ...............................................................iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS .......................................................................................... v

ACKNOWLEDGMENT .........................................................................................vi

List of Figures and Plates .................................................................................... vii

List of Appendices .............................................................................................. viii

1. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................... 1

1.1. Objectives ............................................................................................ 3

2. METHODS .................................................................................................... 3

2.1. Site Description .................................................................................... 3

2.2. Data Collection ..................................................................................... 4

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS .................................................................... 6

3.1. Distribution and Population Status ....................................................... 6

3.2. Habitat Assessment ........................................................................... 10

3.3. People and the environment .............................................................. 11

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ........................................... 13

REFERENCES ................................................................................................... 14

APPENDICES .................................................................................................... 17

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey ii

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report contains the result of an exploratory survey conducted in

Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in the mid-section of Agusan River Basin in
Eastern Mindanao. Numerous faunal inventories about Agusan Marsh Wildlife
Sanctuary (AMWS) listed crocodiles among the inhabitant of lakes, rivers and
streams. Others have regarded the marsh as the remaining habitat of both
species of crocodiles that holds the largest population in the Philippines.
Researchers have explored the marsh in the past but still no number to contend
with.
In this undertaking, the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. (CPPI) and
the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have jointly
conducted this assessment in the marsh to shed light on the distribution and
status of crocodiles in the marsh.

Key results

More than 60% of the expanded protected area coverage are explored
and verified for the presence of crocodiles in reported rivers and lakes. Eighteen
(18) lakes reported as micro habitat of crocodile. Twelve of these lakes are
verified and surveyed while other lakes are inaccessible due to isolation of the
area and navigational hazard.

Results of day exploration, night spotlighting and key informant interviews

reflect that out of the total lake surveyed, 38.46% had reports confined in past 5
years, 23.0% with reports on human-crocodile conflict, 15.38% provides
evidence on the presence of crocodiles, and another 15.38% of alleged current
sightings. Eight flowing water habitats were explored, the mainstream of Agusan
River, downstream of Simulao, Umayam and Gibong River, including
Magsagangsang, Subaon and Mayat Creek. Reports on frequent sightings in this
flowing water habitat are established with occasionally clear indication of basking
adult size crocodile in the riverbanks. A tapetal reflection from a juvenile
crocodile in shallow water on edge provides evidence of an extant breeding
population. Basking areas are observed in Lake Tagsubon nearby Lake Mihaba
in San Marcos, Bunawan and Lake Binoni in Desamparados, Talacogon. This is
mere evidence of a large individuals thriving in the area. The sites are
characterized being an herbaceous swamp dominated by emergent species of
Hanguana malayanum of the family Flagellariceae locally known as “Bangiba”
and Scipiodendron gheari locally called “Baas” belongs to the family Cyperaceae
intertwined with Acrostichum sp.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey iii

Conclusion and Recommendations

The marsh supports extant population of crocodiles but considered

remnant and declining. One of the highlight in this survey is the discovery of two
remaining habitat that might contain healthy populations of crocodiles in the
marsh. No large number of crocodiles observed to form as viable breeding
population in known rivers and lakes. With this result, the following interventions
are identified to address current situation of crocodiles taken place in the marsh:

1. Delineate a strict protection zone designated as critical habitat for the

crocodiles in the AMWS in cooperation with the Protected Areas and
Management Board (PAMB);
2. Increase environmental awareness campaign particularly on the general
importance of wildlife conservation with emphasis on crocodiles, habitat,
behavior and conservation;
3. Local authorities must develop and implement guidelines to address
potential human-crocodile conflict;
4. Series of follow-up studies on community perceptions towards crocodile
conservation must be conducted;
5. Implement Mark-Release-Recapture program for the establishment of
more reliable set of data on species level and for future monitoring
purposes.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey iv

 LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADB Asian Development Bank

AMWS Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

CFI Crocodile Farming Institute

CITES Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species

of Wild Fauna and Flora

CPPI Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc.

CSG Crocodile Specialist Group

DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources

GPS Global Positioning System

IUCN International Union for the Conservation of Nature

MRR Mark-Release-Recapture

NIPAS National Integrated Protected Areas System

PAMB Protected Areas and Management Board

PASu Protected Area Superintendent

PWRCC Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center

RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey v

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This report is the result of a collaborative effort of the Department of

Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) under the Protected Areas and
Wildlife Bureau, DENR-Region XIII CARAGA and the Crocodylus Porosus
Philippines Incorporated.

We would like to extend our gratitude to Provl. Tribal Chieftain Marcus

Gonzales, Municipality of Bunawan Mayor Edwin Elorde, Bunawan Crocodile
Technical Working Group Chairman Hon. Councilor Ronald Nuer, Municipality of
Talacogon Mayor Isaias Masendo and Jesryl Masendo for their support and
guidance. We are much indebted to PASu Rufino Miranda, Ana Maria Gunay and
other staff of AMWS Protected Area Office for their great help in acquiring proper
documents. A special thanks to our research team Rainier Manalo (CPPI),
Alfonso Biñan (CPPI), Juancho Valer (Loreto), Jim Besario (PAO volunteer),
Ryan Millena (Bunawan), Cristito Asis (Talacogon), Marecris Asis (Talacogon)
and to a number of community guides for gathering field information and
conducting field surveys.

Finally, we are very grateful to the executive committee members of the

AMWS Protected Area and Management Board (PAMB) for supporting this
endeavor.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey vi

 List of Figures and Plates

FIGURE 1. LOCATION OF STUDY SITE SHOWING MAJOR RIVERS AND TRIBUTARIES,

AGUSAN MARSH, PHILIPPINES. 2012 ................................................................. 4

FIGURE 2. LOCATION OF SURVEYED LAKES ON THE PRESENCE OF CROCODILES AND

CONCENTRATION OF REPORTS IN AGUSAN MARSH, PHILIPPINES. ......................... 7

PLATE 1. SALTWATER CROCODILES CAPTURED IN TAGBUAYA CREEK (LEFT) AND

MAGSAGANGSANG CREEK (RIGHT) IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BUNAWAN, AGUSAN
DEL SUR. ........................................................................................................ 8

PLATE 2. ADULT CROCODILES FOUND BASKING IN AGUSAN RIVER IN JANUARY

2011(LEFT) AND SUBAON CREEK IN MARCH 2011 (RIGHT) BOTH IN THE
MUNICIPALITY OF LORETO. ................................................................................ 9

PLATE 3. BASKING AREA COMPOSED OF DOMINANT VEGETATION HANGUANA MALAYANUM

AND SCIPIODENDRON GHEARI.......................................................................... 11

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey vii

 List of Appendices

APPENDIX 1. LIST OF BODIES OF WATER WITH REPORTED CROCODILE SIGHTINGS ....... 17

APPENDIX 2. REPORTED SIGHTINGS AND VERIFIED REPORTS IN AGUSAN MARSH

W ILDLIFE SANCTUARY .................................................................................... 18

APPENDIX 3. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES AND RESULTS ON THE AREAS VISITED IN

THE MARSH.................................................................................................... 19

APPENDIX 4. SAMPLE INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE USE TO GATHER INFORMATION ON

CROCODILES IN THE MARSH............................................................................. 23

APPENDIX 5. AMWS PAMB RESOLUTION APPROVING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE

PROJECT. ...................................................................................................... 24

APPENDIX 6. AFFIDAVIT OF UNDERTAKING............................................................... 25

APPENDIX 7. COORDINATION WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS ........................................ 27

APPENDIX 8. DAY EXPLORATION AND NIGHT SPOTLIGHTING SURVEY. ......................... 27

APPENDIX 9. CONDUCT OF KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS (KII). ................................. 28

APPENDIX 10. GPS MARKING AND CLEARING OF NAVIGATIONAL HAZARD. ................... 28

APPENDIX 11. MANAGING NAVIGATION IN ISOLATED AREAS WITH REPORTED SIGHTING.

.................................................................................................................... 29

APPENDIX 12. CONDUCT OF INFORMATION AND EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. .................... 29

APPENDIX 13. NEWS CLIPS ON THE CROCODILE POPULATION STUDY IN AGUSAN. ........ 30

APPENDIX 14. NEWS CLIPS ON JOURNALIST DOCUMENTATION. .................................. 31

APPENDIX 15. OFFICIAL MEASUREMENT OF BUNAWAN CROCODILE ........................... 31

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey viii

 MAIN REPORT

1. INTRODUCTION

Two species of crocodiles occur in the Philippines, the Indo-Pacific

Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus, Schneider 1901) commonly referred as the
estuarine or saltwater crocodile and is widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific
region from southwestern India to northern Australia and Papua New Guinea
(Ross & Alcala, 1983); and the Philippine crocodile also known as the Mindoro or
Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis, Schmidt 1935), which is
endemic to the country.

The most common and widely distributed Crocodylus porosus is found in

almost all recognizable estuarine and freshwater habitats in the Philippines (Ross
2008). In the early 80’s it has been reported to exist in large number in major bio-
geographic regions in the country such as Luzon, Negros-Panay, Mindanao and
Palawan. However, due to the continued destruction of their habitats for
agriculture and aquaculture projects, and uncontrolled hunting for their valuable
hide, the wild populations have been severely reduced (Ortega 1996) and
become extremely rare in the wild (Mercado 2008). Crocodiles in the Philippines
are also considered vermin and the probability of their survival in the wild is low
(Messel et al. 1992).

Philippine crocodile population came into science in 1935 when Karl P.

Schmidt, curator of herpetology of the Field Museum of Natural History of
Chicago, discovered the Philippine Crocodile in the island province of Mindoro,
thus it was named Crocodylus mindorensis. Forty-seven (47) years after its
discovery, Charles A. Ross of the Smithsonian Institution, estimated its remaining
wild population to be between 500-1000 mature individuals 1982. Currently, it
has been reported to exist in some areas of Ligawasan Marsh, Agusan Marsh
and Pulangui River, Bukidnon Province all in the Island of Mindanao. Same
species was found in Northern Luzon in the areas of San Mariano, Isabela in
Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park; Tineg, Abra in Cordillera Region; and
Dalupiri Island in Babuyan Channel (Ortega 1998; Hibaya et. al. 1999; Pontillas
2000; Manalo 2008; Oliveros 2008). But due to population reduction and decline
in area of occupancy, extent of occurrence and/or quality of habitat (CSG 1996),
it is now considered as one of the most endangered crocodilian species in the
world.

On the other hand, Crocodylus porosus are found in small numbers in

some wetland habitats on a number of Philippine islands – especially Mindanao
and Palawan. Their number is exceeding low and now considered to be in
Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 1
hundreds. It is doubtful that any wild populations exist that are large enough to
sustain ranching or any other form of sustainable use (Messel et. al 1992). Based
on Crocodile Farming Institute (CFI) acquisition records from 1987 to 1998, a
total of 9 individuals of C. porosus were caught and acquired from Agusan
Marsh, Agusan Del Sur as part of its nucleus captive breeding population (CFI
1999).

With the successful propagation of both species of crocodiles in captivity

by the Philippine government project through CFI, the Protected Areas and
Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Management Authority in the
Philippines, have granted the Project to use the C. porosus for commercial
breeding purposes in order to sustain its conservation. Both species are included
on Appendix I of the CITES and is legally protected in the Philippines.

Further, in 1993 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature -

Crocodile Specialist Group (IUCN-CSG) recommended that a renewed effort
should be made to establish an innovative crocodile sanctuary for C. mindorensis
and in-situ protection of C. porosus. This would result in safety net population of
these crocodiles in the wild and in the long-term could form a base for crocodile
ranching by local people.

The CFI Project shares the IUCN-CSG position and recognizes the
urgency of this matter considering the rapid human population growth leading to
the destruction of wetland habitats due to population encroachment competing
for the much needed wetland fauna habitat and habitat fragmentation.

During the CFI project life, the saltwater crocodile farming technology was
transferred to qualified farmers in year 2000 together with the number of farm
bred individuals. To date, more than 70% of the CFI, now Palawan Wildlife
Rescue and Conservation Center or PWRCC, captive stock have been
dispersed. However, considering the scarce population status of C. mindorensis
in the wild, the scheme used for C. porosus in the early stages of the CFI project
could not be adapted without first re-establishing a viable wild population for the
species.

At present, it is not known whether the island of Mindanao’s declared

Protected Areas (PA) like Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) can still
carry a viable population of both species of crocodiles. Although crocodiles are
usually regarded as abundant in the marsh (Ross 1982), there is no population
estimate to contend with. The mere potential of this habitat to house the wild
population of crocodiles made it a priority for scientific studies and the possible

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 2

declaration as a protected crocodile sanctuary as potential crocodile population
release site in the Mindanao region.

1.1. Objectives

The main objective of this study is to assess the present state of the
marsh, riparian habitat, ecology, behavioral pattern and actual situation of the
species in their natural habitat in Agusan Marsh. Specifically, this aims to:
 Verify/confirm the presence of crocodiles in their habitats based on current
sightings; and
 Establish baseline data for the present distribution, abundance and habitat
use of crocodiles as basis for developing long- term management plan for
the species as well as interventions addressing crocodile-human
conflicts.

2. METHODS

2.1. Site Description

The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) situated in the mid-

section of Agusan River Basin in eastern Mindanao between 8˚0’ and
8˚30’ north latitude and 125º40’ and 126˚05’ east longitude (Fig.1). It
covers eight (8) municipalities of Agusan Del Sur namely Talacogon, San
Francisco, Rosario, Bunawan, Sta. Josefa, Veruela, Loreto and La Paz.
The AMWS is a declared Protected Area by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation No. 913 in 1996 covering an area of 14,836 hectares under
the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). An additional
expanded Protected Zone covers 40,868 and 69,201 hectares buffers
zones which comprise for a total AMWS Management Area of about
110,069 hectares. It was conferred as a RAMSAR Site in 1999 as
Wetlands of International Importance.
The marsh has seven (7) major wetland habitat types such as the
freshwater swamp forest (with Terminalia, peat swamp and sago forest
sub-types), secondary shrubs, herbaceous swamp, open water
(oxbow/floodplain lakes, pools), flowing water (rivers and streams),
cultivated/agricultural areas and marsh areas. The meandering Agusan
River flowing through the center and its tributaries form a vast complex of
freshwater marshes and waterways.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 3

Figure 1. Location of study site showing major rivers and tributaries, Agusan
Marsh, Philippines. 2012

2.2. Data Collection

The study was carried out from November 2011 to March 2012
which covers inundation and recession periods in floodplain areas. There
were three (3) major activities done by a team of three (3) researchers.
The distribution and habitat assessment was conducted using day
exploration survey, night spotlighting and key informant interviews (KII)
with sustained effort of drawing together information in areas identified for
conservation. Researchers utilized a small outboard motorboat that
passes through tributaries to facilitate movement in larger areas as well as
water areas dominated by thickets of water lily. Surveys on foot were done
to areas that prohibit access by a motorboat. The following activities were:

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 4

 1. Day Exploration Survey. Initial reconnaissance survey were
conducted at daytime, taking notes of major topographical
features, underwater hazards, vegetation, wildlife and human
habitation present. Likewise, this verifies the eventual presence of
crocodile through crocodile tracks, basking areas, traces of nests
and other important visible signs. Water fluctuation and minimum
parameters were also observed as reference for night
spotlighting. The Global Positioning System (GPS) was used to
complement information gathered to mark and track specific
locations of notable habitat, visual reports and actual sightings.
2. Night spotlighting. Following the daytime surveys, a designated
spotter, recorder and local navigator conducts nighttime survey
with the use of a high beam light. Observations were made
onboard a motorboat or by foot for three to four consecutive
nights to check the presence of crocodilian tapetal reflections at a
particular portion of the river, lake or waterway. Survey proceeds
in one-way direction, either downstream or upstream depending
on the tidal condition.
3. Key Informant Interview. Semi-structured questionnaires were
used to gather data on reported sightings and their knowledge on
the presence of crocodile/s in the area. Interviews were
conducted depending on the reports of residing communities
regardless of age, tribe, occupation and gender of respondents.
Information derived from the respondents was verified by the
conduct of day exploration and night survey for possible event of
actual sighting.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 5

3. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

3.1. Distribution and Population Status

Crocodiles in Agusan Marsh were documented to be either in lakes,

rivers and creeks. While most of the recent recorded sightings were along
the riverbanks of flowing water habitats, some can be seen in channel
openings of lakes seeking refuge to strong water currents. Reports of
crocodile presence are common in the municipalities of Bunawan and
Loreto in the South and municipality of Talacogon in the North.
Verified reports from local residents recorded 16 sightings, of which
50% are from Loreto with two (2) of this sightings were confirmed by
amateur photographs and some recurrent sightings of alleged C.
mindorensis, 31.25% from Talacogon, and 18.75% in Bunawan. With the
proximity of the municipalities of Bunawan, an agricultural floodplain and
Loreto, a river community presents high frequency of interrelated
observations on basking crocodiles compared to the municipality of
Talacogon. Residents usually describe observed crocodiles as an
outsized C. porosus basking along riverbanks
A local informant also reported seeing some small crocodiles
described to be C. mindorensis observed thriving farther upstream of
Umayam River in Loreto, southeastern part of the Park. The Umayam
River had its headwaters connected in Pulangi River interior of Bukidnon
Province where a Philippine freshwater crocodile (C. mindorensis)
population was recorded (Pontillas 2000) in 2000.
However, the case of coexistence of both species of crocodiles in
the different water bodies of the marsh is still uncertain. It is inferred that
authors of several species inventory conducted in AMWS probably made
the assumption that Philippine crocodiles inhabit the marsh because it is
a freshwater area.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 6

Figure 2. Location of surveyed Lakes on the presence of crocodiles and concentration of
reports in Agusan Marsh, Philippines.

The first reported human-crocodile conflict occurred in 2002 when a

19ft. C. porosus was incidentally caught in Tagbuaya Creek, Sitio
Mandagaw, Bgy. Poblacion, Bunawan at the upstream portion of the
marsh (Plate 1). Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) news writer Cassion (2002)
reported that the animal was intentionally trapped by a residing community
blaming it for his dwindling fish catch. Local officials ordered and
supervised for the release of the crocodile but the crocodile apparently
became weak after having been tightly bound and died a day later. While

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 7

 in 2008, a lower jaw specimen of an estimated 8-10ft. crocodile was
retrieved in Lake Kibatasan, Bgy. Sabang Gibong, Talacogon, midstream
portion of the marsh. A fatal crocodile attack to a young woman was
reported in early 2009 in Lake Mihaba San Marcos, Bunawan, a month
after an adult male fisherman was attacked on his left leg by an alleged
>18ft. crocodile in Lake Martinez of the same municipality. Both Lakes are
considered floodplain lakes adjacent to each other and shares faunal
resources through a common waterway.
Dizon (2008) accounted that the nesting places of known
endangered crocodiles were found at the junction of Agusan River in Lake
Mihaba. But interviews signify that nests were rarely discovered. The most
recent evidence on the presence of crocodile is the capture of a 20.1 ft.
alleged problem C. porosus in 2011 at Magsagangsang Creek, Nueva
Era, Bunawan (Plate 1). Local authorities responded to address human-
crocodile conflict that will rescue animals from local folks as its primary
goal. Magsagangsang Creek is one of the contributory river tributaries
supporting floodplain Lake Tagsubon, Mihaba and Martinez all draining to
Agusan River Basin.

Plate 1. Saltwater crocodiles captured in Tagbuaya Creek (left) and Magsagangsang

Creek (right) in the Municipality of Bunawan, Agusan Del Sur.

Day exploration and night spotlighting survey activities conducted

have recorded positive tapetal reflections from a juvenile crocodile in
shallow waters on river edge. Reflections were recorded along Simulao
River near Agusan River junction in San Marcos, Bunawan, about 1.5
miles from Lake Mihaba river drainage to Agusan River. Results indicated
that a breeding population is still present in the upper portion of the marsh.
Evidence of several individuals indicating the presence of extant crocodile

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 8

 population in the proximity of the declared wildlife sanctuary was verified
by photograph last January and March 2011 in the vicinity of Loreto (Plate
2). However, inspite of the series of intensive surveys conducted, none of
the breeder size and or adult size crocodiles were observed in the entire
AMWS areas with reported sightings. This showed that though present,
the crocodile population in the remaining open waters of the marsh can be
considered to be relatively small.

Plate 2. Adult crocodiles found basking in Agusan River in January 2011(left) and
Subaon Creek in March 2011 (right) both in the municipality of Loreto.

The wariness and low population density of crocodiles dispersed

during widespread flooding, congregate in inaccessible areas and
undergoing aestivation under thick floating vegetation contributed to the
increase in complexity in estimating population. The vast size of Agusan
Marsh and the impenetrability of the interior portions limited the survey to
areas with reported sightings.
Numerous basking areas characterized by floating vegetation were
uncovered in Lake Tagsubon nearby Lake Mihaba in San Marcos,
Bunawan and Lake Binoni in Desamparados, Talacogon. Structure of
basking areas evidently relates with that of large size crocodiles inhabiting
the area. However, further verification surveys revealed no evidence that
attributes to the morphological features of any individuals present. With
this results, it can be concluded that the upstream and downstream
portion of the wildlife sanctuary could harbor population of crocodiles
although not as many as before.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 9

 3.2. Habitat Assessment

Local residents reported seeing crocodiles in most of the floodplain

lakes characterized by the presence of herbaceous swamps forming in
the periphery of open water. During periods of inundation, crocodiles are
dispersed and reportedly seen in flowing water like tributaries which
connects Agusan River. Generally, there is observed habitat succession
from scrub swamp in the interior portions to the isolated open water areas
followed by margins of herbaceous swamps linked to flowing water
habitats as inflow and drainage areas to Agusan River Basin.
On the other hand, the shrub swamps in the interior portions are
characterized by the presence of higher herbaceous swamp community
with isolated stands of low-growing trees of Barringtona and Nauclea.
These areas are nearly inaccessible by human activities owing to the
thick growth of floating and emergent macrophytes. Forming a load of
vegetation are herbaceous swamplands which exhibits a community of
transition zone between scrub swamps. In the 1992 AMWS management
plan and boundary delineation and land use, reports that the assemblage
at the lower elevation areas close to the open water in herbaceous
swamp is mainly characterized by common water hyacinth (Eichhornia
crassipes) and water spinach (Ipomea reptans), while a more diverse
community consisting mainly of Saccharum sp., Hanguana sp., Scleria
sp.and Acrostichum sp. were found slightly higher.
The emergent species of Hanguana malayanum of the family
Flagellariceae locally known as “Bangiba” and Scipiodendron gheari
locally called “Baas” belongs to the family Cyperaceae intertwined with
Acrostichum sp. (Arreza 1999) are among the dominant vegetation in
similar habitats of Lake Tagsubon in Bunawan and Lake Binoni in
Talacogon (Plate 3). Davies (1991) established the presence of Haguana
malayanum only near Lake Manguao in Palawan and in the Agusan River
Basin and considered rare in the Philippines. The observed disturbance
in the growth of these vegetations found bordering Lake Binoni and
marginally observed in Lake Tagsubon were found to be substantial
evidence of basking areas for the crocodiles.
A verified report of sightings and presence of crocodiles mostly
associated with herbaceous swampland habitat types of relatively high
human activities observed. There were reports of fishermen spotting
crocodiles with the head and arch back floating on open water along the
peripheral margins of the lake associated with floating vegetation. During
dry season, crocodiles tend to confine in this habitat type and prefer
Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 10
 seclusion towards the upper portion with less disturbed and more
inaccessible areas. But due to scarcity of fish catch and difficult access in
the usual fishing area, human settlements tend to move towards the edge
of the swamps and in sections along the main waterways and lake
systems. Thus, as a consequence crocodiles are driven out of their
preferred habitats to move away with humans and human induced
disturbance. Migrating crocodiles end up in agricultural floodplains, small
unidirectional rivers and creeks often blocked by impenetrable growth of
water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes). The shrub swamp and
intercession margins of the swamp forest are the potential breeding and
nursery grounds while open water habitat of lakes and its tributaries
provide grow-out areas for the marsh crocodiles.

Plate 3. Basking area composed of dominant vegetation Hanguana malayanum and

Scipiodendron gheari.

3.3. People and the environment

Both species of crocodiles are still being feared as predator of

domestic animals and considered nuisance in most areas in Agusan
Marsh. Local informant reported that crocodiles tend to compete with
humans for fish. But indigenous people living in floating communities in
the area noted that fishes and other aquatic fauna were abundant in
areas where crocodiles inhabit. Early human settlers in major lakes have
witness the rapid decline of crocodile population due to the indiscriminate
hunting in the past and from the present inefficient land and water use
activities within the marsh area. Current observations demonstrate that
local migrants have infused negative perceptions towards the remaining
population of crocodiles where they have the notion of killing over
conservation. This could have resulted to having a small nucleus of
Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 11
 breeding adults from declining wild population in the marsh. According to
Messel et al. (1992), removal of these breeding adults depresses the
reproductive rate of the wild populations and slows its recovery.
Majority of the settlers living in Agusan Marsh were comprised of
the indigenous peoples of Manobo. Bracamonte et al. (2008), indicate
that Manobo underscore practices that conserve environmental
resources in harmony with nature. They have strong respect for
environmental spirits to seek guidance. Most of all their notable tribal
leaders such as Chieftains and Datu do not tolerate the removal of
crocodiles from their respective areas. But these areas show disturbed
crocodile behavioral pattern and habitat. As a result, majority of the
reported crocodile sightings were sighted outside the significant territorial
boundary of declared AMWS with limited protection compared to that of
within the declared sanctuary. The implementation of a no crocodile
hunting policy, appropriation of proper land and water use system, and
regulation of fishing in known crocodile habitats can significantly
contribute to the possibility of recovering a significant viable crocodile
population in the marsh. The expanded coverage of the AMWS
somewhat provided a safety net for the remaining crocodile population of
the marsh before they face local extinction.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 12

4. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary supports few remaining

breeder crocodile population that inhabits few areas of fragmented floodplain
lakes and tributaries as habitats. Fewer sightings of crocodile imply that the
natural wild population has decreased significantly which can be considered
remnant and declining population. There are no large viable populations
known to exist in these areas. All that’s left are concentrated in minor pockets
of similar habitat types in the marsh. Increase in human pressure in river
tributaries jeopardizes the existence of crocodiles in major lakes which results
to the uneven distribution. Number of fishermen continues to increase as well
as the development of fishing practices leading crocodiles to becoming more
mobile in the isolated upper portion of the marsh far from their preferred
habitats in their attempt to find more favorable areas with fewer disturbances.
Based on the current survey findings, the following are
recommended:
1. Delineate a strict protection zone designated as critical habitat for
the crocodiles in the AMWS in cooperation with the Protected
Areas and Management Board (PAMB);
2. Increase environmental awareness campaign particularly on the
general importance of wildlife conservation with emphasis on
crocodiles, habitat, behavior and conservation;
3. Local authorities must develop and implement guidelines to
address potential human-crocodile conflict;
4. Series of follow-up studies on community perceptions towards
crocodile conservation must be conducted;
5. Implement Mark-Release-Recapture program for the establishment
of more reliable set of data on species level and for future
monitoring purposes.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 13

 REFERENCES

ADB, 2011. Asian Development Bank TA7258 - PHI Agusan River Basin
Integrated Water Resources Management Project. Final Report. Pöyry
IDP Consult, Inc. in association with Nippon Koei, U.K. Schema Konsult,
Inc. Vol 1:19.

AMWS, 1992. Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary management plan and boundary
delineation and land use report, DENR Office of the Provincial
Environment and Natural Resources, Governance Center, Prosperidad,
Agusan Del Sur. Vol. 1:75.

Arreza, G.R. 1999. A report on the floral survey of Agusan Marsh Wildlife
Sanctuary. Unpl Report Pp.8-12.

Bracamonte, N.L., A.G. Roxas, T.O. Poblete, L.V. Gomez and R. Seronay. 2008.
Social and Economic Aspects of the Agusan Marsh Key Biodiversity Area.
In: Proceeding of the 1st scientific conference on the Agusan Marsh.
Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development,
UNESCO Jakarta Office. Pp.85-97.

Cassion, K.E. 2002. Villagers probed for eating, killing croc, Philippine Daily
Inquirer Newpaper. Vol. 17:52p. Published on 17 April 2002.

CFI, 1996. The Beauty of the Beast: conserving the Crocodiles of the Philippines,
Comprehensive Report (1987-1995), Crocodile Farming Institute, Puerto
Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.

CFI, 1999. Crocodile Farming Institute accomplishment report 1st quarter 1999.
Crocodile Farming Institute, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, Philippines.
p11.

Crocodile Specialist Group 1996. Crocodylus mindorensis. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN
Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>.
Downloaded on 28 March 2012.

Crocodile Specialist Group 1996. Crocodylus porosus. In: IUCN 2011. IUCN Red
List of Threatened Species. Version 2011.2. <www.iucnredlist.org>.
Downloaded on 28 March 2012.

Davies J. 1991. Species of plants identified in the various types of habitats in

Agusan Marsh. As cited in: Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 14

 management plan and boundary delineation and land use report, DENR
Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources, Governance
Center, Prosperidad, Agusan Del Sur. Vol. 1:75.

Dizon, N.V. 2008. Socio-economic initiatives of local governments and

nongovernment organization in Agusan Marsh. In: Proceeding of the 1st
scientific conference on the Agusan Marsh. Philippine Council for Aquatic
and Marine Research and Development, UNESCO Jakarta Office. Pp.98-
101.

Hibaya, J. C., R. I. Manalo, and M.T.R. Aquino. 1999. Preliminary Assessment of

Identified C. mindorensis Habitats in the Philippines. Unpubl. CFI Report.

IUCN. 1996. 1996 IUCN Red List Categories. IUCN species survival commission,
IUCN council; Gland, Switzerland. Pp.15-17.

Manalo, R.I. 2008. Occurrence of Philippine Freshwater Crocodile (Crocodylus

mindorensis) in the Cordillera Central, Abra, Province, Luzon Island,
Philippine. In: National Museum Papers. Volume 14:109-115.

Mercado, V.P. 2008. Current status of the crocodile industry in the Republic of
the Philippines. In: National Museum Papers Vol. 14:26-34.

Messel, H.F., W. King, G.J.W. Webb and C.A. Ross. 1992. Summary report on
the workshop on the prospect and future strategy of crocodile
conservation of the two species (Crocodylus mindorensis, Crocodylus
porosus) occurring in the Philippines. In: Crocodile Conservation Action. A
Special Publication of the Crocodile Specialist Group of the Species
Survival Commission of the IUCN-The World Conservation Union. Gland,
Switzerland. P 98-101.

Ortega G. V. 1998. Philippine Crocodile Conservation: comprehensive report. In,

Proceedings of 14th Working Meeting of the Crocodile Specialist Group,
IUCN-The World Conservation Union, Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge,
UK.

Ortega, G. V. 1996. The Beauty of the Beast: Conserving the Crocodiles of the
Philippines. Crocodile Farming Institute Comprehensive Report (1987-
1995). 41pp.

Pontillas, U.F.A. 2000. New breeding sites for the Philippine Crocodile, Crocodile
Specialist Group Newsletter 19(2): 10-12.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 15

Ross, C.A. 1982. Final Report: Smithsonian Institution/World Wildlife Fund
Philippine Crocodile Project. WWF Report. 32p.

Ross, C.A. 2008. A question of habitat – Crocodylus mindorensis. In: National

Museum Papers Vol. 14:116-122.

Ross, C.A. and A.C. Alcala. 1983. Distribution and status of the Philippine
Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis). Kalikasan, Phil. J. Biol. 12(1-2).

Schmidt, K.P. 1935. A new crocodile from the Philippine Islands. Field Mus. Nat.
Hist. Zool. Ser. 20: 67-70.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 16

 APPENDICES

Appendix 1. List of bodies of water with reported crocodile sightings

NAME
LOCATION
1 Lake Himbang San Nicolas, Talacogon
2 Lake Talacogon Poblacion, Talacogon
3 Lake Casawangan Caimpugan, San Francisco
4 Lake Tugno La Flora, Talacogon
5 Lake Binoni Desamparados, Talacogon
6 Lake Kibatasan Poblacion, Talacogon
7 Lake Kilobidan San Marcos, Bunawan
8 Lake Kanimbaylan Poblacion, Loreto
9 Lake Bokugon Poblacion, Loreto
10 Lake Martinez San Marcos, Bunawan
11 Lake Tagsubon San Marcos, Bunawan
12 Lake Mihaba San Marcos, Bunawan
13 Lake Mambagongon La Paz
14 Lake Kangno San Marcos, Bunawan
15 Lake Kapaton Mantuod, Loreto
16 Lake Ginhalinan La Flora, Talacogon
17 Lake Kalambugan San Marcos, Bunawan
18 Mayat Creek Desamparados, Talacogon
19 Magsagansang Creek Nueva Era, Bunawan
20 Tagbuaya Creek Poblacion, Bunawan
21 Subaon Creek Panlabuhan, Loreto
22 Agusan River Agusan River Basin
23 Gibong River Sabang Gibong, Talacogon
24 Umayam River Loreto

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 17

Appendix 2. Reported sightings and verified reports in Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary
CODE DATE
DESCRIPTION LOCATION COORDINATES
OBSERVED

HC1 Captured crocodile Apr-02 Tagbuaya Creek, Nueva Era, Bunawan N8 08.500 E125 55.519
HC2 Croc lover jaw retrieved Jun-06 Lake Kibatasan, Sabang Gibong, Talacogon N8 19.363 E125 53.649
HC3 Human Attack Feb-09 Lake Martinez, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 12.105 E125 54.449
HC4 Human Attack Mar-09 Lake Mihaba, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 10.755 E125 54.728
HC5 Captured crocodile Sep-11 Magsagangsang Creek, Nueva Era, Bunawan N8 09.707 E125 56.769
BA1 Observed Basking Area Jan-12 Lake Tagsubon, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 11.980 E125 55.202
BA2 Observed Basking Area Jan-12 Lake Tagsubon, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 11.779 E125 55.225
BA3 Observed Basking Area Feb-12 Lake Binoni, Desamparados, Talacogon N8 21.134 E125 49.008
BA4 Observed Basking Area Feb-12 Lake Binoni, Desamparados, Talacogon N8 21.008 E125 49.144
BA5 Observed Basking Area Feb-12 Lake Binoni, Desamparados, Talacogon N8 20.871 E125 49.123
RS1 Reported Sightings Feb-10 Lake Bokugon, Panlabuhan, Loreto N8 13.433 E125 53.152
Mar-11
RS2 Reported Sightings Agusan River, San Isidro, Talocogon N8 27.396 E125 47.112
RS3 Reported Sightings Dec-11 Agusan River, Sabang Gibong, Talacogon N8 19.833 E125 53.081
RS4 Reported Sightings Dec-11 Agusan River, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 13.448 E125 54.284
RS5 Reported Sightings Dec-11 Agusan River, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 13.183 E125 54.463
RS6 Reported Sightings Jan-12 Agusan River, La flora, Talacogon N8 26.440 E125 47.642
RS7 Reported Sightings Jan-12 Mayat Creek, Maharlika, Talacogon N8 21.438 E125 48.753
RS8 Reported Sightings Jan-12 Lake Martinez, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 12.130 E125 54.389
RS9 Reported Sightings Jan-12 Agusan River, Purok 3, Katipunan, Loreto N8 10.382 E125 53.810
RS10 Reported Sightings Feb-12 Gibong River, Sabang Gibong, Talacogon N8 20.212 E125 53.460
RS11 Reported Sightings Feb-12 Umayam River, Purok 2, Katipunan, Loreto N8 10.799 E125 53.791
RS12 Reported Sightings (C. m) 2010 Lake Kanimbaylan, Panlabuhan, Loreto N8 13.693 E125 52.482
RS13 Reported Sightings (C. m) 2010 Lake Kanimbaylan, Panlabuhan, Loreto N8 13.567 E125 52.383
RS14 Reported Sightings (C. m) 2010 Lake Kanimbaylan, Panlabuhan, Loreto N8 13.425 E125 52.458
PS1 Photograph sighting Jan-11 Agusan River, Katipunan, Loreto N8 11.337 E125 54.112
PS2 Photograph sighting Mar-11 Subaon Creek, Panlabuhan, Loreto N8 14.694 E125 53.505
S1 Observed Tapetal reflection Nov-11 Simulao River, San Marcos, Bunawan N8 13.329 E125 54.623

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 18

Appendix 3. Brief description of activities and results on the areas visited in the marsh.
Date Visited Place Brief Description of the Area
October, 2011 Simulao River, Bunawan, This river is located on the buffer
Agusan del Sur zone of the protected area and the
river itself is no longer a part of the
IPAS. This waterway is the main
entrance to the marsh from the
town of Bunawan.
October, 2011 Umayam River, Loreto, Flowing water with unidirectional
Agusan del Sur flow and some minor tributaries.
October, December, Agusan River, Bgy. The Agusan river is the main
January, 2011 Katipunan, Loreto, waterway of the marsh. It drains
Agusan Marsh Wildlife water from the lakes and rivers of
Sanctuary, Agusan del the marsh and brings it downstream
Sur to the coast of Butuan City. It also
forms as the boundary area within
the marsh dividing the
Municipalities of Loreto, Bunawan,
La Paz and Rosario.
December, 2011 Lake Kilobidan, Bgy, San A large open water ecosystem with
Marcos, Bunawan, clear water habitat which is
Agusan Del Sur generally acidic and colored by
humic acid because of the
decomposition of organic materials
from aquatic plants.
Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey
Current Reports
No reports
Report of sightings were
limited on upstream river
Interviewed Mr. Rusjano
Navarro, being attack by an
alleged large crocodile on Feb
9, 2009.
Photo of large crocodile taken
last January 30, 2010 by Mr.
Noli Centina.
No accounts on the presence
of crocodiles in the past and
present time.
Survey Results
Conduct of day survey and
night spotlighting sighted
one (1) juvenile crocodile
(est: 2.5') swimming in
shallow water on edge going
towards the riverbank.
Conduct of day survey and
night spotlighting revealed
no sightings of crocodiles in
the area. Some reports on
the presence of C.
mindorensis in the upstream
river of Umayam.
Spotlight surveys did not
result any crocodile
sightings.
Night spotlighting survey
reveals no evidence or
tapetal reflection observed
in the surveyed areas.
19
Remarks and
Recommendation
Sighted along Simulao River
within the area of Bgy. San
Marcos, Bunawan.
The river could not provide
a good habitat for crocodiles
because the people had
exploited and disturbed the
area so much. It is also less
protected than the inside of
the marsh. Evidence of
riverbank erosion on both
Simulao and Agusan River.
Alleged sightings of
crocodile in Sitio Mantuod,
Nueva Gracia, Loreto.
Electronic copy photo of
large crocodile taken in
January 30, 2010 was
secured.
Initial photo analysis results
that the crocodile resembles
with that of the C. porosus.
Size estimates could be
around more 15 feet in total
length.
Due to a very large area, the
conduct of night survey
proved to be complex.

Date Visited Place Brief Description of the Area
December, 2011 Lake Kanimbaylan and Mixed swamp forest with primary
Lake Bukogon, Sitio vegetation dominated by
Panlabuhan, Bgy. Barringtona and Nauclea. These
Poblacion, Loreto, two lakes were very adjacent to
Agusan Del Sur each other which can share water
resources and might have been
result to an interaction between two
species of crocodiles if physically
prove to be present.
January, 2012 Magsagangsang Creek, This creek is located on the buffer
Bgy. Nueva Era, zone of the protected area and is no
Bunawan, Agusan Del longer a part of the IPAS. This
Sur waterway connects downstream
rivers of Lake Tagsubon adjacent
to lake Mihaba going to main
Agusan River.
January, 2012 Sabang Kawayanan, This is the start of the protected
Bunawan, Agusan del Sur area from Sumilao and the middle
portion of the marsh. This is where
waters from Umayam River, Lake
Mihaba, Lake Danao and Sumilao
River meet forming a whirlpool on
the Agusan River
January, 2012 Lake Mihaba, Lake Herbaceous swampland dominated
Tagsubon and Lake by sedges, grasses, and ferns and
Martinez, San Marcos, other thick vegetation which is hard
Bunawan, Agusan Del to penetrate. There were around
Sur seven (7) floating houses presently
seen within the Lake Mihaba and
one (1) going to Lake Tagsubon.
Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey
Current Reports
A Manobo tribe differentiate
that there are three (3)
individuals of smaller and
slightly lighter colored
crocodiles thriving in the area
of Lake Kanimbaylan. While
a large and black colored
crocodile is in the area of
Lake Bukogon that was
accidentally entangled in their
fishnets sometime in the last
quarter of 2010.
A 20ft. C. porosus were
caught last September, 2011.
Reports were confined in last
three (3) months.
Crocodile sighting last
December 28, 2011 at the
whirlpool area.
Sightings are limited only
during last two months.
Some reports on the presence
of C. mindorensis and C.
porosus sharing the same
water basin in the Lake.
Survey Results
Night spotlighting reveals
no evidence or tapetal
reflection of crocodiles.
A community in this area
considers the crocodile in
this Lake only seek refuge
during high water and strong
current in Agusan River.
No crocodile sightings
during the conduct of day
survey and night
spotlighting traversing
Magsagangsang Creek
heading towards
downstream of Bgy.
Mambalili near Lake
Tagsubon.
Night spotlighting did not
reveal any crocodiles.
Day survey and mapping of
Lake Tagsubon reveals
evidence of possible basking
area of a large crocodile.
While night spotlighting
reveals no evidence of
crocodile in three lakes.
20
Remarks and
Recommendation
Lake Kanimbaylan: most
likely have three (3)
individuals of somewhat
describe to be of C.
mindorensis.
Lake Bukogon: one (1)
visiting crocodile being
described to be of that with
C. porosus.
There were several small
lakes which were reported
harbors crocodile population
in Bunawan like
Kambangaw to Tagbuaya,
Kalambugan, Binayay,
Kangkala, Mandagao, and
Kabahian.
A 19ft. C. porosus was
caught in Tagbuaya Creek
last April, 2002 by the
resident of Sitio
Mandangaw, Bgy.
Poblacion, Bunawan.
Constant use of the
waterway by motorized
bancas and paddleboats
coupled with electric fishing
had possibly driven the
crocodiles away.
A possible basking area was
observed in Lake Tagsubon,

Date Visited Place Brief Description of the Area
January, 2012 Upstream Umayam River bank habitat wherein
River, Loreto, Agusan vegetation slightly different from
Del Sur. lower marsh areas.
February, 2012 Lake Binoni, Bgy. A small herbaceous swamp in an
Desamparados, inundated forest surrounded by
Talacogon paddy fields. Numerous basking
areas were found in Lake margin, it
is made up of slender and broad
leaf grasses (locally called as Ba’as
and Bangiba) that overgrown in
dense vegetation of water hyacinth
stitch with ferns making them a
floating vegetation.
February 2012 Lake Himbang and lake Lake Himbang is a floodplain lake
Talacogon, Poblacion, bounded by mountainous areas in
Talacogon the Eastern part. Lake Talacogon is
a large lake with seasonal
inundation wherein some part is
considered peatland.
February 2012 Gibong River, Sabang River tributaries of Agusan River
Gibong, Talacogon in the mid section of Agusan River
Basin. This is characterized as
unidirectional river drainage of San
Francisco and Rosario.
Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey
Current Reports
Upon interview, some
resident mentioned that in the
areas where there are
rock/limestone walls,
crocodiles are sometimes
observed crossing in the
shallow part.
Reports on video clips of two
(2) large crocodiles taken last
September, 2011 by
RPAdvetures.
Reports were confined within
last 5 years
Recent reports on the
sightings of an alleged large
size crocodile near the river
delta of Agusan River.
Survey Results
Exploration on the upstream
Umayam river going to
upland Barangays of Loreto
provide some areas with
similarity on the habitat
preference of C.
mindorensis.
Day survey revealed that a
vast area of lake margins
serves as the basking area of
crocodile/s. Night survey
revealed no sightings on the
presence of crocodiles.
No crocodiles observed
during the conduct of day
survey.
No sightings recorded
during the conduct of day
and night spotlighting.
21
Remarks and
Recommendation
It was verified that the
headwaters of Umayam
River was the Pulangi River
in Bukidnon that is known
viable habitat of Philippine
Crocodiles.
Camera traps were installed
by member of RPAdveture
in strategic areas around the
Lake, no live traps for
crocodiles were found set-
up.
In lake Talacogon, a large
population of Philippine
ducks and wandering
whistling duck was observed
in the area. Likewise, the
presence of Philippine Eagle
was seen in the area.
Six cable snare traps and
one net trap were observed
in strategic sites along the
river being deployed by
RPAdventure trappers.
 Remarks and
Date Visited Place Brief Description of the Area Current Reports Survey Results
Recommendation

February 2012 Lake Tugno, La flora, Small floodplain lake near the Reports were confined within No crocodiles sighted during Night spotlighting was not
Talacogon margin of Agusan River. This last 5 years the conduct of day visual conducted due to
serves as drainage waterway of encounter navigational hazard.
Lake Casawangan. The open water
in this area is slightly acidic due to
the presence of peatland in the
upper portion of the Lake.

March 2012 Lake Casawangan An isolated Lake near the
Caimpugan Peatland known to
have crocodiles in the past. The
lake shore is composed of organic
materials but the water is acidic due
to the effect of adjacent peatland
Reports were confined within Ocular site survey was done Possible local extinction in
last 5 years in the vicinity of the lake. micro habitat
Surveys were not conducted
due to navigational hazard

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 22

Appendix 4. Sample interview questionnaire use to gather information on crocodiles
in the marsh.

INTERVIEW QUESTIONNAIRE
(to be translated into the local dialect)

1. Did you ever _____ see or ______ hear something about crocodiles here in the Island?
_____ Yes ______No
If seen, continue to 1a. If heard, continue to 1d;
If No, discontinue interview.
If Yes, a) Where did you _____ see the crocodiles?
(Specific location/s in the park) Location 1: ________________________________
Location 2: _______________________ Location 3: ________________________
b) When did you see it (latest) Location 1: __________________________________
Location 2: _______________________ Location 3: __________________________
c) How big is/are the crocodile/s (estimate in foot)
Location 1: ______________ Location 2: _______________ Location 3: __________
d) What is/are the name/s of the place where you heard crocodiles occur?
Location 1: _______________________ Location 2: __________________________
2. Do you know of areas where crocodiles are known to be plenty? _______ Yes _______ No
If No, proceed to 3.
If Yes, a) What is the name of this place? ___________________________________
3. Do you know that two kinds of crocodiles exist in the park? _______ Yes ________ No
If No, discontinue interview.
If Yes, a) How do you call this crocodiles?
Name 1. _________________________; Name 2. ___________________________
b) Do you know where Name 1 could be found? ________ Yes ________ No
If No, proceed to 3d.
If Yes, c) What is the name of this place? ___________________________________
c) Do you know where Name 2 could be found? ______ Yes ______ No
If No, discontinue interview.
If Yes, what is the name of this place? _____________________________________
Other Comments:__________________________________________________________
Name: _____________________________________________________
Age: _______________________ Sex: ___________
Address (optional) ___________________________________________
Occupation: ______________________
No. of Years in the Island: _____________

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 23

Appendix 5. AMWS PAMB Resolution approving the implementation of the project.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 24

Appendix 6. Affidavit of Undertaking.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 25

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 26
Appendix 7. Coordination with local stakeholders

Appendix 8. Day exploration and night spotlighting survey.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 27

Appendix 9. Conduct of Key Informant Interviews (KII).

Appendix 10. GPS marking and clearing of navigational hazard.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 28

Appendix 11. Managing navigation in isolated areas with reported sighting.

Appendix 12. Conduct of Information and Education Campaign.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 29

Appendix 13. News clips on the crocodile population study in Agusan.

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 30

Appendix 14. News clips on journalist documentation.

Appendix 15. Official measurement of Bunawan Crocodile

BIOMETRICS
Head length 700mm
Snout Eye length 496mm
Max Head width 450 mm
Cranial Width 228 mm
Inter Orbital 84 mm
Cranial Height 363 mm
Snout Height 255 mm
Snout vent length 2, 851 mm
Snout to scute Junction 4,982 mm
TOTAL BODY LENGTH 6,170 mm

Measured By: Adam Britton, PhD

CSG member, Australia
November 9, 2011

Agusan Marsh Crocodile Survey 31