The Philippine Crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis) is a small reptile from the freshwater rivers in The Philippines. It is also known as the Mindoro Crocodile. It is a crocodilian.

The Philippine Crocodile is brown to grey with a broad snout (nose) and thick bony plates on its back. Juveniles are brown, whereas adults are grey and become darker as they age.

Philippine Crocodile

It measures about 300 centimetres (118 inches) long.

It is native to a few islands in The Philippines, although it was once widespread across the country. It prefers freshwater rivers and streams, small lakes, ponds, and marshes.

The Philippine Crocodile eats fish, water birds, lizards, and snakes.

Females lay 7-20 eggs in a nest made of plants on land, near a river. When the eggs hatch, the mother carries her young from the nest to the water in her mouth. She is a caring and nurturing mother and does not eat her young.

Philippine Crocodile

Philippine Crocodile

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM