This softshell turtle is released to its natural habitat in Barangay Eden, Cabarroguis town in Quirino province. (Photo courtesy of DENR-Region 2)
CITY OF ILAGAN, Isabela––Local authorities on Tuesday, Aug. 3, released an Asian giant softshell turtle to the Addalam River, one of the major tributaries of the Cagayan River in Cabarroguis, Quirino.
The animal was found at the height of the widespread flooding triggered by Typhoon “Ulysses” last year, according to Glenn Maguad, biologist of the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
“The turtle was treated for its wound due to a tie around its mouth,” Maguad said.
After its rehabilitation, the animal was released to its natural habitat at Barangay Eden in Cabarroguis.
The softshell turtle is a scavenger that is beneficial to the ecosystem in the Cagayan River, one of the identified main sanctuaries of the said species, the BMB said.