GINGOOG City ― A Philippine freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus Mindorensis) was found on the evening of August 9 in a remote area of Gingoog River in the hinterland barangay of Binakalan, here.
Roel C. Dahonog Çommunity Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-10 said it was a resident from the barangay who caught the crocodile that is 64 centimeters in length.
The man caught the freshwater crocodile while fishing at the river using an arrow said Dahonog.
The age of the freshwater crocodile is estimated to be one year old said Cenro Dahonog.
Cenro Dahonog said the man who caught the crocodile first thought it was a mudfish.
“Ug iya kining gipana apan nakita dayon kini nga usa man diay ka buaya,” Cenro Dahonog added.
Dahonog said part of the crocodile's body was slightly injured by the arrow but was reportedly not in danger.
The Philippine fresh crocodile was immediately reported to the authorities, said Dahonog.
Before it was brought to Mantianak Zoological and Botanical Garden in Sugbongcogon, Misamis Oriental, the Philippine freshwater crocodile was presented to City Mayor Erick G. Cañosa on the morning of August 10.
However, the crocodile is not as aggressive compared to saltwater crocodiles, Dahonog said.
Dahonog said he instructed his personnel to conduct an inspection of the said place where the crocodile was caught.
“Akong gipasusi ang area o river basin naa pay mga kauban niini,” Dahonog said.
