𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞 (𝟏) 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐱 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐏𝐂𝐒𝐃𝐒

𝟏𝟓 𝐅𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒- A Sunda Box Turtle (𝘾𝙪𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙤) was handed over to the custody of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) by Ms. Ethel Gadiano, an elementary teacher from Gregorio Oquendo Memorial School.

According to Ms. Gadiano, the turtle was found inside a classroom the morning of the 16th. The pupils excitedly gathered around the turtle and they hoped to keep the same. Understanding the importance of preserving wildlife, Ms. Gadiano promptly intervened and surrendered the turtle to PCSDS custody, as she learned through social media that the said turtle is a protected species under the RA 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001.

The identified turtle is an adult male and measures 21 cm (carapace length), 18.5 cm (carapace width). The Sunda Box Turtle is classified as an “Endangered Species” under PCSD Resolution 23-967.

The PCSDS encourages fellow citizens who happen to encounter any live wildlife to leave them alone in their natural habitat. However, if said animal is under or poses immediate risk, only then could they be turned over to our office or seek assistance by calling our hotlines: PCSDS Wildlife Enforcement Unit (WEU) at 09319642128 (TNT) and 09656620248 (TM), or the PCSDS Front Desk hotline at 0935-116-2336 (Globe/TM) and 0948-937-2200 (Smart/TNT). Concerned individuals may also reach out through the PCSDS Facebook page for further assistance or inquiries. Together, let’s contribute to the conservation efforts and protection of our precious wildlife.