TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) - - Two turtle species were recently released in their natural habitat by the Biodiversity Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Cagayan Valley Region. 

An Asian giant softshell turtle, with the scientific name Pelochelys cantorii, and a freshwater turtle native to the Philippines, was released in the Addalam River in Cabarroguis, Quirino.

Dr. Glenn Maguad, a  veterinarian of the Bureau, said that it is among threatened species listed under the DENR Administrative Order 2019-09. That is why the agency needs to strengthen further conservation efforts for the said species.  

He also said that some local residents captured the animal during the flooding caused by typhoon Ulysses last year. 

Barangay Kagawad Joseph Estrada, on the part of the local officials, committed to monitor the released turtle species in the river.

"We have a provincial ordinance declaring a portion of the Addalam River as a 'no-take-zone' so it is prohibited to take any aquatic resources within the declared sanctuary area," Estrada said. 

On the other hand, two Asian box turtles, with the scientific name Cuora amboinensis, were also released at the Malasi Tree Park and Wildlife Sanctuary Critical Habitat in Cabagan, Isabela.

“We are doing our efforts to release these kinds of animals to help nourish their habitat or environment,” said Maguad.

The said turtle species are very sensitive and are incapable of breeding or reproducing frequently. (JKC/OTB/PIA Cagayan with reports from Corie Corpuz and Ralfee Concepcion)