CR

Philippine Crocodile

Crocodylus mindorensis

Declining

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Philippine crocodile faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural conversion, urban development, and mining activities throughout its limited range. Direct persecution by humans who fear attacks on livestock and people has historically decimated populations, while accidental capture in fishing nets continues to kill individuals. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities degrades remaining freshwater habitats, while introduced species compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics.

Threat summary

Habitat

The Philippine crocodile inhabits freshwater environments including rivers, creeks, marshes, and ponds across the northern and central Philippines. It prefers shallow, slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and muddy banks suitable for nesting and basking.

Forest - Subtropical/tropical mangrove vegetation· majorMarine coastal/supratidal· majorWetlands (inland)· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent rivers/streams· majorWetlands (inland) - Bogs, marshes, swamps, fens· majorWetlands (inland) - Permanent freshwater lakes· majorRocky areas· majorMarine neritic· major

Conservation measures underway

Site/area protectionSpecies managementSpecies recoverySpecies reintroductionEx-situ conservationAwareness & communicationsLegislationLinked enterprises & livelihood alternatives

Other threatened species in CROCODYLIDAE

Siamese CrocodileCR

Siamese Crocodile

Crocodylus siamensis

Declining
MuggerVU

Mugger

Crocodylus palustris

Stable
American CrocodileVU

American Crocodile

Crocodylus acutus

Increasing
Orinoco CrocodileCR

Orinoco Crocodile

Crocodylus intermedius

Declining

Threatened in Malaysia

Acropora hemprichiiEN

Acropora hemprichii

Declining
VU

Podocarpus ridleyi

Declining
EN

Benstonea saint-johnii

Unknown
VU

Hopea coriacea

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Philippine Crocodile classified as Critically Endangered?
Philippine Crocodile is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. The Philippine crocodile faces severe population decline primarily due to extensive habitat destruction from agricultural conversion, urban development, and mining activities throughout its limited range. Direct persecution by humans who fear attacks on livestock and people has historically decimated populations, while accidental capture in fishing nets continues to kill individuals. Pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial activities degrades remaining freshwater habitats, while introduced species compete for resources and alter ecosystem dynamics.
Where does Philippine Crocodile live?
Philippine Crocodile occurs in Malaysia, Palau, and Philippines. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Philippine Crocodile?
The main threats to Philippine Crocodile are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

Get weekly conservation intelligence

One short digest a week of the most striking species and country data we ship, plus breaking conservation news paired with our database where it matters.

Free, no spam. One-click unsubscribe in every email.