A juvenile female Hawskbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was turned-over yesterday March 17, 2022 to the Biodiversity Conservation Unit of the Community of Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Zamboanga City by Cawit Barangay Chairman Hon. Serbellio T. Molina.
The marine turtle was found by a child named Nelson Azuelo, 9 years old and a resident of Zone II Barangay Cawit, Zamboanga City floating at the coastline area of the said barangay.
The incident was reported to the Barangay Chairman who responded immediately and rescued the marine turtle.
Upon inspection by the Biodiversity Quick Response Team, the marine turtle was healthy with scars on left eye. It is still under observation and awaiting the final assessment of a local veterinarian.
For the meantime, the Hawskbill turtle was placed in the care of the Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology (ZSCMST) Hatchery and Wet Laboratory prior to its release back to the sea.
The Hawksbill turtle is a marine turtle species found in the Philippines. It is classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List with its population declining by 80% over the past 10 years.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) IX encourages the public to immediately report any wildlife concerns to its nearest field office for the proper handling, rescue, and retrieval operations. You may call/text our hotline at 0948-147-1250 or send a message to our Facebook page at DENR Zamboanga Peninsula.
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- Parent Category: News & Events
- Category: Photo Releases
- Published: 24 March 2022