Malang crocodile
Credit: Willamor A. Magbanua/INQUIRER MINDANAO

A crocodile, named Malang, was caught by fishermen from Baranggay Dungguan in M’lang, North Cotabato last April 12, 2014. Reports say that Malang is a Crocodylus mindorensis (Philippine freshwater crocodile), measuring about one third the size of the more popular saltwater crocodile named Lolong.

Malang reportedly measures about 2.18 meters long. Ali Hadji Nasser, Central Mindanao Chief of the Protected Areas and Wildlife Division (PAWD) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources declared that Malang is the largest living freshwater crocodile in captivity. Nasser explained that the previous largest freshwater crocodile was registered at 1.65 meters long.

Wildlife Journals reported that crocodiles in the Philippine grew as much as 3.05 meters long.

Officials say that Malang could be the largest crocodile in captivity, but they believe that there could be larger crocs roaming the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Marsh that stretches from Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

Malang is currently in custody of the local government of M’lang.