Ang Pahayagan

BAGUIO CITY— The high biodiversity of the province of Apayao in the Cordillera Region is proven, again,  with the rescue of a critically endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii). 

Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Calanasan reported the rescue and assessment of a giant softshell turtle caught by a resident along the Apayao River in Barangay Capanikkian, Pudtol town. 

CENRO Calanasan OIC Dorothy Joy Cayaba said the turtle was voluntarily turned over to the authorities in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).  The Apayao Provincial Veterinary Office conducted a veterinary assessment and documentation of the rare species before transporting it to the Laoag Veterinary Clinic for further medical evaluation. 

The turtle weighed about 10 kilograms and about  47 centimeters in length. It was carrying eggs, an encouraging indication that the species continues to reproduce in the river system.

The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle is classified as Critically Endangered in the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and is listed as Other Threatened Species under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09, which provides the updated national list of threatened Philippine fauna and their categories.

According to the DENR, the presence of this species in the Apayao River underscores the ecological importance and biological richness of the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayao (BRyA),  a globally recognized landscape known for its intact ecosystems, thriving river systems, and diverse wildlife.

The incident highlights the significance of community participation in wildlife conservation and the need to protect critical habitats that support threatened species.

Cayaba commended the resident for his prompt and responsible action, which enabled the wildlife to receive immediate care and protection.

She also encouraged the public to continue reporting and turning over accidentally captured wildlife to authorities to ensure proper handling, protection, and conservation of species that form part of the province’s invaluable natural heritage.

Cayaba also thanked the provincial government of Apayao through Governor Elias Bulut Jr., Pudtol LGU led by Mayor Edmarc Pascua and the Philippine Eagle Foundation  for  their assistance and support in  preserving the  province’s ecosystem with unique habitat such as the Philippine eagle, and  the ‘corpse’ flower   Rafflesia lagascae (Redjie Melvic Cawis – PIA-CAR  with  CENRO Calanasan)