A critically endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii) was rescued after a local resident accidentally caught it while fishing along the Apayao River and voluntarily turned it over to authorities.
“The turtle was voluntarily turned over to DENR authorities by the concerned resident who unintentionally caught the animal while fishing,” the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.
“The prompt and responsible action of the resident enabled the wildlife to receive immediate care and protection, highlighting the growing awareness and cooperation of local communities in safeguarding biodiversity.”
Veterinarians found a hopeful sign during their assessment: the rescued turtle was carrying eggs, suggesting that the species continues to reproduce in the river system. It was first examined by the Apayao Provincial Veterinary Office before being transported to a veterinary clinic in Laoag City, where Christopher George Galvez and Mary Jane Galvez conducted further evaluation.
“During the assessment, it was discovered that the turtle was carrying eggs, an encouraging indication that the species continues to reproduce in the river system,” the agency added.
The rescue and documentation were facilitated by a local response team led by Pudtol Mayor Edmar D. Pascua and Dorothy Joy Cayaba, officer-in-charge of the DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Calanasan. According to DENR, the team conducted proper documentation, rescue operations, and veterinary assessment to ensure the turtle received appropriate care.
Critically endangered
The Cantor’s giant softshell turtle is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and is categorized as Other Threatened Species (OTS) under DENR Administrative Order 2019-09, which updates the national list of threatened Philippine fauna. Its presence in the Apayao River also highlights the ecological importance of the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayao (BRyA), a globally recognized landscape known for intact ecosystems, thriving river systems, and diverse wildlife.
“The presence of this species in the Apayao River underscores the ecological importance and biological richness of the Biosphere Reserve of the yApayao (BRyA),” DENR said.
Authorities emphasized that the incident shows how community cooperation can help protect threatened wildlife, especially in biodiversity-rich areas.
The DENR CENRO Calanasan office urged the public to continue reporting and surrendering accidentally captured wildlife so that experts can properly assess and protect them.
“DENR CENRO Calanasan encourages the public to continue reporting and turning over accidentally captured wildlife to authorities to ensure proper handling, protection, and conservation of species that form part of the province’s invaluable natural heritage,” it said.
—Rosette Adel
