MANILA — The National Museum turned over on Tuesday to the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) a replica of “Lolong” the male Indo-Pacific or saltwater crocodile captured in Agusan del Sur province in 2011.
Lolong received the Guinness Book of World Records’ certification as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity but died in 2013.
The BMB, which is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources will display Lolong’s replica at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City.
The ceremonial takeover was done at this year’s celebration of the annual International Day of Biological Diversity (IDBD) in Manila.
In 2000, the United Nations adopted May 22 as the International Day of Biological Diversity to raise global awareness and understanding of biodiversity.
It also aims to promote sustainable development, that meets the present needs without compromising the future generations’ ability to meet its own needs.
For its 2018 celebration, the DENR also launched the second in a series of guidebooks on Philippine protected areas, so the public can learn about the significance of these locations.
“The book is an invitation to take a journey,” BMB Officer-in-Charge Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez said at the celebration.
National Museum of the Philippines (NM) scientist Dr. Arvin Diesmos and journalist Howie Severino joined the celebration, sharing their
insights on biodiversity. (Catherine Teves/PNA)
