Diet analysis of Philippine Crocodile Crocodylus mindorensis (Schmidt 1935) in Paghungawan Marsh, Barangay Jaboy Pilar, Surigao del Norte, Philippines
Keywords:
food items, stomach flushing, carnivorous predator, endemic crocodileAbstract
Siargao Islands in Surigao del Norte have not been part of the historical range of the Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis). However, 36 juvenile F2 progeny of this species were successfully introduced in Paghungawan Marsh in 2013, with a supplemental release of eight yearlings and 21 juvenile crocodiles in 2017. To supplement the current knowledge of this species’ biology with essential information on its success in thriving Paghungawan Marsh since its introduction, a study on the diet analysis of this crocodile species was conducted in the area. Through stomach flushing of three C. mindorensis individuals captured in the study area, the stomach contents were collected and grouped into four categories: vertebrates (50%), invertebrates (33.33%), inorganic and organic materials (12%), and plant materials (5%). Diet of the three C. mindorensis individuals showed food items that vary from Cichliformes (40%), Architaenioglossa (11.67%), Chiroptera (10%), Coleoptera (5%), Decapoda (8.33%), and Hymenoptera (8.33%) which indicates that fishes are their dominant prey. These findings suggest that C. mindorensis is a generalist species and seemingly opportunistic. Their diet reflects habitat variability and the available prey items of the established stations. This study highlighted the adaptive capacities of C. mindorensis and suggests that if protected and with sufficient prey availability, the population of this endangered species will recover. More dietary composition studies should be done to understand better how this species participates in varied communities.
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