Endangered freshwater turtle released into Apayao River
TUGUEGARAO CITY — A week after being taken into the care of environmental workers in Calanasan, Apayao, a female Asian or Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) named “Malaya” was released back into its natural habitat along the Apayao River in Barangay San Antonio, Pudtol, on March 19.
The release was carried out with the participation of local officials, environmental stakeholders, and community members, reflecting a shared commitment to protect one of the world’s most critically endangered freshwater turtle species, according to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calanasan officer-in-charge Dorothy Joy Cayaba.
READ: Endangered freshwater turtle rescued in Apayao River
Apayao Vice Gov. Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, who led the release rites, said the turtle symbolizes freedom and renewed hope for the survival of the species. “The turtle represents life, strength, and quiet power — qualities that women embody in nurturing communities and safeguarding the environment,” she said.
Malaya was rescued on March 12 after a local fisherman accidentally captured the turtle along the Apayao River in Pudtol. The resident promptly turned it over to the DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Calanasan for proper care.
Cayaba said the turtle was immediately documented and underwent an initial health assessment by the Apayao Provincial Veterinary Office before being transported to a veterinary clinic in Laoag City for further evaluation. It was later returned to Calanasan for monitoring and care prior to its release.
The turtle was found to be carrying eggs, indicating that the species continues to reproduce in the river system.
The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle is classified as “critically endangered” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and is listed as an “other threatened species” under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09, which outlines the updated national list of threatened Philippine fauna.
Cayaba lauded the resident’s swift and responsible action in reporting the incident, noting that it reflects growing public awareness and community cooperation in biodiversity conservation. She encouraged the public to continue reporting and surrendering accidentally captured wildlife to authorities to ensure proper handling and protection.
DENR Apayao Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Rainier Balbuena emphasized the vital role of community participation in conservation efforts. He urged local stakeholders to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting the turtle’s habitat, stressing that biodiversity conservation is a shared responsibility.
Cayaba added that Malaya’s condition was closely monitored prior to release and highlighted the importance of sustained protection and long-term conservation initiatives. The successful return of the turtle to the wild, she said, demonstrates the power of collaboration among government agencies, local leaders, and communities.
“It reinforces our collective commitment to protect critically endangered species and preserve Apayao’s natural heritage for future generations,” Cayaba said. /das
