Largest croc in the world is star of Philippine town
Source: Agencies |
July 2, 2012, Monday
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Print Edition
Print Edition
GUINNESS World Records has declared that a huge crocodile blamed for deadly attacks in the southern Philippines is the largest in captivity in the world. The giant reptile has brought pride, fear, tourism revenues and attention to the remote town where it was captured.
The saltwater crocodile named Lolong, which was captured last September in Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur province, measures 6.17 meters and weighs over a ton, a Guinness spokeswoman said in a statement seen yesterday. The reptile took the top spot from an Australian crocodile which was over 5 meters and weighed nearly a ton.
Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said the news sparked celebrations in his farming town of 37,000 but also fostered concerns that more giant crocodiles might be lurking in a nearby marshland and creek where villagers fish.
"There were mixed feelings," Elorde said by telephone. "We're really proud because it proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time, there are fears that Lolong may not be alone."
Lolong has become the star attraction of a new ecotourism park and research center in the outskirts of Bunawan and has drawn thousands of tourists since news of its capture spread. Elorde said his town has earned 3 million pesos (US$72,000) from the modest entrance fees at the park, with most of the money being used to feed and care for the crocodile and for park maintenance.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje welcomed the Guinness announcement and the growing attention being given to the crocodile, saying it would help people realize the biodiversity of their surroundings and the need to protect it. He would ask the government to help Bunawan become an ecotourism spot.
The saltwater crocodile named Lolong, which was captured last September in Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur province, measures 6.17 meters and weighs over a ton, a Guinness spokeswoman said in a statement seen yesterday. The reptile took the top spot from an Australian crocodile which was over 5 meters and weighed nearly a ton.
Bunawan Mayor Edwin Cox Elorde said the news sparked celebrations in his farming town of 37,000 but also fostered concerns that more giant crocodiles might be lurking in a nearby marshland and creek where villagers fish.
"There were mixed feelings," Elorde said by telephone. "We're really proud because it proves the rich biodiversity of our place but at the same time, there are fears that Lolong may not be alone."
Lolong has become the star attraction of a new ecotourism park and research center in the outskirts of Bunawan and has drawn thousands of tourists since news of its capture spread. Elorde said his town has earned 3 million pesos (US$72,000) from the modest entrance fees at the park, with most of the money being used to feed and care for the crocodile and for park maintenance.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje welcomed the Guinness announcement and the growing attention being given to the crocodile, saying it would help people realize the biodiversity of their surroundings and the need to protect it. He would ask the government to help Bunawan become an ecotourism spot.
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