'Reptile Kingdom' series continues on 'Born to be Wild'

REPTILE KINGDOM
A Born to be Wild special series Part III this Sunday, July 15

There is a species of crocodile that can be found nowhere else on Earth—our very own Philippine freshwater crocodile known locally as bukarot. This critically endangered crocodile has been recorded in certain parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

In Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Doc Nielsen and his team document the oldest known Philippine croc in captivity: “Jud”.  Jud is estimated to be 79 years old and has been with the Feria-Divino family ever since the end of World War II. Unfortunately, there are no longer any sightings of wild crocs in the area and Jud may be among the last traces of the Philippine crocodiles that once roamed the rivers of Negros Occidental. Doc Nielsen checks on the almost-octogenarian croc for the very first time.

Three years ago, a croc called “Andeng” was rescued by the Born team in Iligan City. Andeng, a pet for 40 years, was brought to a nature park which now serves as a home to the croc. But Andeng’s story does not end there. After the story aired, several experts were confounded about the identity of the croc. Because of its snout and aggressiveness, some suspect it to be a saltwater crocodile. But its scales are similar to the endemic Philippine croc.

To end the debate, Doc Ferds goes back to Iligan with croc expert Rainier Manalo, to get a sample for DNA analysis. Is it possible that Andeng is the first recorded “hybrid” croc in the country? That is, a mix-breed of saltwater and freshwater crocodile, which is a rare and unusual occurrence in nature.

Born to be Wild’s Reptile Kingdom series continues this Sunday morning, on Born to be Wild after AHA!