Understanding Socio-Ecological Complexity of Mangrove-Crocodile-Fisher System of Bugsuk Island, Balabac, Palawan, the Philippines

The mangrove forest in Palawan has the most extensive distribution in the Philippines. The fisher community's perception of the mangrove forest as a known habitat for saltwater crocodiles (Crocodylus porosus) and its fishery benefits in Bugsuk Island were gathered using a participatory systems mental modeling framework for the coastal social-ecological system. From the causal loop diagram, six reinforcing and one balancing feedback loop were derived. The respondents observed a positive growth in the interaction between mangroves and crocodiles in Bugsuk Island, with both populations expanding and providing support to fishery resources. Bugsuk Island represents a unique diversity with great potential for resource conservation and economic benefit.