Wildlife personnel rescue saltwater crocodile trapped in Sarangani farm

MANILA, Philippines – A 7.5-foot saltwater crocodile trapped near an aqua farm was rescued by the Sarangani Provincial Wildlife Quick Response Team (SPWQRT) last Wednesday, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

The male crocodile was spotted by a resident named Reden Tapican as it was trapped near an aquafarm in Barangay Kawas, Alabel, the agency said in a press release on Thursday.

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The crocodile was then named after the resident.

After the rescue operation took place, veterinarian Dr. Roy Mejorada from DENR Region 12 confirmed its healthy condition and identified its species. It will then be transferred temporarily to a Davao rescue center for monitoring.

“The rescued wildlife only proves that with the help of the community, we can ensure the safety of the saltwater crocodile. The Department will assure the public that we will intensify and closely observe and monitor this development, and inform the public that the DENR will continue its operation for possible sightings of the same species,” DENR-12 Regional Executive Director Felix Alicer said.

Alicer also commended the rescue’s success.

Saltwater crocodile sightings were reported by the DENR in August and September last year.

After which the department, together with the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (SBPS), started patrolling over the Sarangani Bay where the species was sighted.

The SBPS has yet to report on crocodile populations but maintains that the public should report any wildlife sightings to the authorities. — Keith Irish Margareth Clores, INQUIRER.net intern