What to do with a giant crocodile?

Manila: As conservationists and Southern Philippines town officials debate what needs to be done with a 6.1-metre-long saltwater crocodile caught recently in the wild, authorities ponder ways in which wildlife and humans can coexist.

"We have to take a look at the situation on how we could harmonise or promote the coexistence of the people and the crocodiles and other wildlife in Agusan Marsh," Ramon Paje, Environment and Natural Resources secretary, said. The huge crocodile has been held at the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary in Mindanao since it was captured on September 4.

Bunawan Agusan del Sur Mayor Edwin Elorde helped catch the crocodile, referred to as ‘Lolong', with a team of hunters.

Strong reaction

While the capture of the reptile, believed to have been responsible for killing a child and a buffalo, was welcomed by residents, the seizure drew a strong reaction from wildlife conservationist groups who opposed plans to keep the reptile in captivity.

"While there may have been reports and allegations that the said crocodile has threatened and caused danger to humans and their properties, please note that about 76,000 hectares of the Agusan Marsh is a protected area," Luis Buenaflor, Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) director for operations, said in a letter addressed to Elorde and sent to media outlets.

"Thus measures to keep it secured from human intrusion thereby protecting its animal inhabitants should have been taken."