Pictures of the Year International

Since 2004, the Philippine crocodile has been legally protected by the Wildlife Act (Republic Act No. 9147), which prohibits the killing or wounding of the animal. Nevertheless, in these remote areas, environmental law enforcement is weak, and reports of dead crocodiles have been documented over time. Despite the existence of regulations and guidelines on sustainable fishing practices, individuals continue to employ wide nets in rivers that can entangle and drown crocodiles. This particular Philippine crocodile, which was likely approaching sexual maturity, was found deceased, trapped in a fishing net near a rice field on the Disulap Riverbank.