Endangered soft-shell turtle found in Urbiztondo
AN endangered turtle species, the Cantor’s giant soft-shell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii), was found in a rice land in Urbiztondo town and turned over Wednesday to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) center in Dagupan City.
Farmer Richard Aquino came across the turtle, also known as the Asian giant soft-shell which is unique for its leathery back instead of the usual hard shell, and immediately brought it to the center for “caregiving”.
Dr. Westly Rosario, BFAR center chief, said while many turtles had been turned over to his office by concerned citizens, this is the first time that such an endangered species was brought in.
A juvenile Cantor’s turtle known as “cagot” was previously captured by a fisherman along the Addalam River, in Cabarroguis, Quirino. This was sent in 2001 to Chicago and later confirmed to be an endangered turtle species.
It has disappeared from much of its habitat range and last seen in Cambodia in 2003.
The one found in Urbiztondo has a carapace length of 25 centimeters (cms) and a width of 20 cms.
Rosario said this species, which can grow up to 183 cms in length, spends 95 per cent of its life buried and motionless, with only its eyes and mouth protruding from the sand.
BFAR is currently taking care of at least 11 turtles mostly found near coastal areas, or sighted crossing streets, or bought in the markets by concerned citizens and turned over to the agency.
On October 30 last year, about 10 ordinary freshwater turtles and one big Olive Ripley from BFAR were released by students back to the sea.–Eva Visperas
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