San Mariano Crocodile Sanctuary

The San Mariano Crocodile Sanctuary is a community-based conservation area in San Mariano, Isabela, within the buffer zone of the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park. Established to protect the critically endangered Philippine crocodile (Crocodylus mindorensis), it is managed by the Local Government of San Mariano with the Mabuwaya Foundation and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The site includes a rearing station, wetland habitats and information facilities focused on crocodile conservation and research.

Visitors can expect a low-impact conservation site centered on wetland and riverine habitats where the Philippine crocodile is protected. The area includes a crocodile rearing station with holding pens, interpretive displays and guided explanations by local conservation staff. Surroundings are rural with rice fields, rivers and forest edges of the Sierra Madre. Visits are typically guided and focused on observation, education and understanding community-led conservation efforts.