Extinct Crocodile Rescued in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — A crocodile, regarded as extinct in Pampanga, was reported on Saturday (Aug. 1) to have been "safely rescued" in the northern part of the province. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) described the animal to be a "15-year-old female saltwater crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*)." The DENR said the crocodile was found in the northern part of Pampanga. The agency said the rescue of the crocodile, locally known as "dapu" in Kapampangan, was considered a significant find. "This is a significant find as it provides evidence of the species' past presence in the area," the DENR said. The DENR has been intensifying its efforts to protect wildlife in the country, especially those that are considered endangered or critically endangered.