A crocodile expert has called on the media to help reshape public understanding of crocodiles, warning that fear-driven narratives are worsening conflict between communities and wildlife.
Rainier Manalo, director of Crocodylus Porosus Philippines Inc. (CPPI) and regional cice chair for East and Southeast Asia of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, spoke before members of the media on March 5 and urged stronger collaboration to improve how crocodile incidents are reported and understood.
“Kailangan po namin ng tulong nyo,” he said, stressing the need for sustained engagement with journalists.
He noted that while there had been past efforts to train both uniformed personnel and media practitioners, these were not maintained over time.
Manalo said one of the first steps is correcting public misconceptions, including the widely used term “saltwater crocodile.”
“Mali po pala si saltwater crocodile,” he explained, adding that while the species can survive in marine environments due to specialized salt glands, it actually prefers freshwater habitats.
Instead of “saltwater crocodile,” he recommends using “Indo-Pacific crocodile” in media reporting.
Manalo said this term reflects its true range and ecology. The species is found across the Indo-Pacific region and is not limited to saltwater environments, even if it can tolerate them.
The discussion then moved beyond science and into culture, where Manalo described how early Filipino communities coexisted with crocodiles and even incorporated them into their belief systems.
“Ang tawag po nila sa mga crocodiles na nandoon ay kanilang mga kamag-anak, mga pag-ali,” he said, referring to indigenous groups who see crocodiles as relatives and part of their spiritual world.
He explained that in these communities, crocodiles were not viewed as threats but as indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Areas with crocodiles were believed to have abundant fish, encouraging people to stay rather than leave.
That relationship, he said, has changed over time.
“Pag may crocodile doon, pinupuntahan, hulihin si crocodile, hindi po hulihin ang isda,” he said, describing how fear has replaced coexistence, often leading to the removal of crocodiles from their natural habitats.
Manalo cited the case of Lolong, the giant crocodile captured in Agusan Marsh, as an example of how interventions can have unintended consequences.
He said local indigenous groups opposed the capture, while migrants pushed for it out of fear.
“Ayaw ng mga lumad, ng mga katutubo doon na hulihin si Lolong, pero gustong ipahuli ng mga migrants,” he said.
After Lolong was removed, some waterways were closed and fish stocks declined.
He also presented a timeline showing the dramatic decline of crocodile populations in Palawan and other parts of the country. From what he described as tens of thousands in the early 20th century, numbers dropped sharply due to hunting and habitat destruction.
By the early 1990s, he said, only around 200 individuals remained in the wild in Palawan.
Efforts to conserve the species led to the establishment of crocodile farming programs, which aimed both to protect the remaining population and to develop sustainable use, including meat production.
“Dalawa lang po ang kanilang objective: i-conserve at magkaroon ng pagkain ang tao,” Manalo said, referring to the dual mandate of conservation and livelihood.
However, he emphasized that conservation alone is no longer enough. What is needed now, he said, is proper management of crocodile populations alongside informed public engagement.
He also pointed out how media coverage can shape public perception, noting that crocodile incidents in the Philippines often receive intense attention despite being relatively few, while countries like Indonesia report far more cases with less public alarm.
For Manalo, the role of journalists is critical in bridging science and public understanding. He urged the media to go beyond reporting incidents and instead provide context on ecology, behavior, and long-term impacts.
“Tulungan niyo po kami,” he appealed, as he called for a more balanced approach to wildlife reporting—one that supports both human safety and environmental sustainability.
The challenge, he said, is not just about protecting crocodiles, but about restoring a relationship that once allowed people and wildlife to share the same space.
