Status of the Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus, Schneider) Industry in the Philippines

ABSTRACT

Crocodiles in the Philippines are listed in the Appendix 1 of the Conservation on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). But based on the wide distribution of the Crocodylus porosus, a closed-cycle breeding for commercial trade is permitted though the Crocodylus mindorensis is for conservation. The result of the technology transfer program of the Philippine government CITES registered facility pave way for the birth of crocodile farming industry in the Philippines. In 1999, six (6) private commercial farms that successfully passed the stringent evaluation process have pioneered this non-traditional industry on Saltwater Crocodile farming. The coalition of crocodile farmers or the Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. (CPPI) strengthens the sustainable use and management or value-driven conservation of the two crocodile species in the Philippines. CPPI farms have advanced the industry, providing new technology, innovations and facilities in accordance with international standards. Numbers of crocodiles have increase to approximately 25,000 for leather industry. There were about 4,000 C. porosus skins that have been exported from 2008-2012 and projected to have a total of 10,000 skins available for export in the next 5 years. CPPI is also working towards the conservation of two species of crocodile in their natural habitat in southern Philippines. The industry recognized their responsibility to the Filipino people and its future generations. Government support to access more competitive technology, increase social acceptability of crocodile meat as alternative protein source, support for the development of by products, and increase support for research and conservation is recommended.

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