This Sunda box turtle was found wandering alongside the road in Barangay Sta. Lourdes by resident Aries Lester Bayla. Fearing the reptile would be run over by vehicles, he picked it up and later handed it over to the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) for safekeeping.
Bayla discovered the Sunda box turtle on August 2 and subsequently brought it to the PCSDS. The medium-sized female turtle, weighing 931 grams, was reported to be in good health.
The Wildlife Rescue Team relocated the reptile to its natural habitat, recognizing that it is not accustomed to human care.
Since February of this year, about seven turtles have been handed over to the PCSDS, as reported by Palawan News.
“Dahil hindi natural sa mga ito ang alagaan ng tao, dinala ito ng Wildlife Rescue Team sa natural nitong tahanan,” the PCSDS said Thursday.
“Ang ganitong uri ng mga pagong ay mayroon nang conservation status na endangered species. Nangangahulugan ito na mababa na ang populasyon ng mga Sunda box turtle,” it added.
This turtle species thrives in moist, forested areas near freshwater sources and feeds on a diet that includes insects, small fish, fruits, and vegetation. Due to habitat loss and overexploitation, particularly for the pet trade, its population has significantly declined, prompting conservation efforts focused on habitat protection and legal measures against illegal trade, the Reptile Database said.
Being an omnivorous species, it plays an essential part in regulating the populations of different insects and small aquatic animals, hence maintaining the equilibrium of food chains. It also helps in spreading seeds, which is important for the renewal and propagation of plant species.
The PCSDS advises anyone who encounters or captures wildlife to contact their office directly or reach out to the PCSDS Wildlife Enforcement Unit (WEU) at 09319642128 (TNT) or 09656620248 (TM). The PCSDS Front Desk can also be contacted at 0935-116-2336 (Globe/TM) or 0948-937-2200 (Smart/TNT).
