Beestieboys visit Philippine crocodile project
The VPRO children’s television show Beestieboys visited the Philippine crocodile project of the Mabuwaya Foundation. Presenters Tim and Nicolaas met CML researcher Merlijn van Weerd, who is director of the Mabuwaya Foundation. They joined him on a crocodile night survey and during a school lecture on crocodiles and conservation in a small Philippine village.
The highlight of the show is the release of a captive-raised Philippine crocodile into the wild, together with one of the Philippine schoolkids, Jackie.
CML has been involved in Philippine crocodile research activities since 1999 when Merlijn van Weerd discovered a remnant population of this critically endangered endemic species in northern Luzon. The Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is one of the rarest animals on the planet, with a wild population of less than 250 mature individuals. Through a combination of applied research, communication and education programs, the active participation of local communities and a crocodile head-start and release program, the Philippine crocodile population in northern Luzon has increased from c. 20 individuals in 2000 to c. 100 individuals now.
The episode of Beestieboys can be viewed at the NPO-website.
More information about the Mabuwaya Foundation at: https://www.facebook.com/mabuwaya/