MANILA, Philippines – An endangered turtle has been rescued in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, authorities said Wednesday.
In a Facebook post, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) said the Southeast Asian Box turtle (scientific name Cuora amboinensis) was rescued in Aborlan by Puerto Princesa resident Kyle Ong last Oct. 29.
The turtle is 20 centimeters in length, 20 cm in width, and weighing about 800 grams.
Ong said that he kept the turtle for a few days to ensure its safety. The turtle sustained a minor crack after it was hit by a vehicle, PCSD said.
The turtle was turned over to PCSD on Wednesday, Nov. 4. The turtle is set to be released to the wild very soon, PCSD said.
The Southeast Asian Box Turtle is listed as an “Endangered” species under PCSD Resolution No. 15-521. Miggy Dumlao, trainee