The Sierra Madre represents a vital ecosystem, containing the largest remaining tract of old-growth tropical rainforest in the Philippines. This forest area, which covers approximately 1.4 million hectares, constitutes 40% of the country’s total forest cover. The region is home to an impressive array of flora and fauna, representing approximately 45% of all documented species in the Philippines, with at least 58% being endemic. 
Among these species is the Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), which is the rarest crocodile on the planet. It is estimated that a remnant population of approximately 100 crocodiles managed to escape the relentless hunt and survive to this day in the northern part of this rainforest in Luzon. As indicated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, the Philippine crocodile is classified as critically endangered, which signifies the highest risk of extinction among species. In comparison, there are approximately 1,600 giant pandas and more than 3,000 tigers remaining in the wild, representing species that are emblematic of the global biodiversity crisis.

Before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines in 1565, crocodiles thrived in the rivers and streams of the Cagayan Valley, where indigenous communities lived in harmony with them. The Agta are the earliest known inhabitants of the Philippines, preceding the Austronesian migrations. 
They are a forest-dwelling ethnic group who inhabit the northern Sierra Madre, residing primarily along forest streams. For this reason, the Agta people share the same habitat as this animal and have developed a peaceful coexistence with it. The Agta people hold the belief that crocodiles are akin to humans, and that they will not inflict harm if they are not provoked or injured. 
Spear fishermen have numerous anecdotes attesting to their encounters with crocodiles submerged in waters and their lack of trepidation in the presence of these creatures. The Agta people request permission from crocodiles to pass through their habitat and share the fish resources. 
The crocodile, known as the buwaya in Tagalog, is regarded as an ancestral figure and a benevolent symbol of physical strength, fertility, and power. Consequently, these areas are where the Philippine crocodile still survives in the wild. However, the indigenous customs of the Agta people are no longer sufficient to ensure the species’ survival.

Over the past 400 years, the way people in the Philippines view crocodiles has evolved considerably. Initially regarded as divine guardians, they have since been perceived as economic hindrances and, more recently, as unwanted labels of endangered pests. Commercial hunting, along with the widespread use of electrofishing and unregulated nets to maximize fish catches, has contributed to a significant decline in the Philippine crocodile population.The remaining crocodile population is facing further challenges as their habitat is converted into agricultural land. 
Despite the hopelessness of saving the Philippine crocodile, something changed in 1999. At that time, no information was available regarding the biology and ecology of the crocodile, as it had never been studied in its natural habitat.
With the participation of indigenous communities, a group of Dutch-Filipino researchers conducted intensive surveys in all the tributaries and rivers of the Cagayan Valley. Their findings revealed that a few specimens remained in San Mariano and its neighboring municipalities. 
In 2003, the Mabuwaya Foundation was established with the objective of conserving the Philippine crocodile in its natural habitat together with local and Indigenous communities. Its initial efforts led to the establishment of 8 locally proclaimed and managed crocodile sanctuaries in Dunoy and along the Disulap River. In the protected area, 14 Indigenous people belonging to Agta, Ilokano and Kalinga ethnic groups have been appointed as Bantay Sanktuwaryo or sanctuary guard, with the responsibility to monitor the crocodile sanctuaries and report violations to the Barangay official and the police. 
In 2005, the “head-start program” was initiated, whereby sanctuary guards collect hatchlings that have been born naturally in the wild, which are subject to a high mortality rate, and transport them to the Philippine Crocodile Conservation Center (PCCC). The hatchlings are then raised in captivity for a minimum of two to three years until they are sufficiently robust to be released into the wild.
When the program started, only one adult crocodile was observed in the wild.  By 2011, the population had increased to nine adults, 43 juveniles, and 34 hatchlings. The latest survey, conducted in June 2024, revealed that the total population of the Philippine crocodile had grown to 125 individuals (including hatchlings), with 17 adults.

The community-based approach to conservation has instilled newfound hope for the continued survival of the Philippine crocodile. The population recovery of this species serves as an important symbol of the value of engaging indigenous communities in environmental conservation initiatives.  The present era may witness the extinction of numerous iconic species, which are facing threats from habitat loss and human population growth. The Philippine crocodile was previously regarded as the first crocodile to become extinct as a consequence of human activities.
This story offers an inspiring example of what can be achieved in the field of environmental and wildlife conservation. It demonstrates that, with dedication and commitment, we can succeed in protecting even the rarest and most endangered species, and that this success can pave the way for the protection of other vulnerable creatures.