Lesson Plan

College-Only in the Philippines! The Philippine Freshwater Crocodile

Objectives:

To describe the characteristic of Philippine Crocodiles especially the Freshwater

Crocodile and its habitat.

ACTIVITY:

Present a powerpoint presentation including the following:

Crocodile information background and facts.

 Lecture

Philippine Freshwater Crocodiles

The Philippine crocodile is native to the Philippines.

Philippine Freshwater Crocodile  is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List
of Threatened Species.

The estimated wild population is comprised of less than 200 individuals. Moreover,the
Philippine crocodile is one of the most severely threatened species of crocodile. It has a limited
distribution range and is threatened by habitat destruction, chiefly due to agricultural expansion
and a rapidly expanding human population. The main threat used to be hunting, but habitat
destruction is now a bigger hazard. Unsustainable fishing practices such as dynamite fishing is
also a problem.

Philippine crocodile habitat

The Philippine crocodile is chiefly found in freshwater environments, such as marshes, ponds,
small lakes, and small riverine tributaries.

Philippine crocodile size and appearance

The Philippine crocodile is a small crocodile where the males rarely exceed 3 meters (10 feet).
The females are somewhat smaller. Compared to most other crocodile species the Philippine croc
has a rather broad snout. The body is golden-brown and will grow darker as the animal matures.
The dorsal armor ( the bony plating on the back) is thick. 

Philippine crocodile feeding and diet

The Philippine crocodile feeds chiefly on aquatic invertebrates and small vertebrates. Very little
is known about its exact diet and feeding strategies.
Philippine crocodile facts

The Philippine crocodile has 66-68 teeth.

When crocodile specialist Dr. Brady Barr tried to become the first person to see all species of
crocodile in the world, the Philippine crocodile turned out to be the most difficult one to find.
You can see his pursuit in National Geographic's “Dangerous Encounters”. Eventually, Dr Barr
saw a two week old specimen, thus completing his quest.

Things You Can Do To Protect Wildlife

Share Your Enthusiasm for Wildlife and Nature

Encourage others to learn about nature, enjoy watching wildlife, and value protecting
habitats and species with which we share this planet.