Two Southeast Asian Box Turtles (𝘊𝘶𝘰𝘳𝘢 𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘯𝘴𝘪𝘴) were retrieved by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) after they were turned over by Ms. Ermie Ann Acharon of Baltan Street, Barangay San Miguel, Puerto Princesa City on February 19, 2021.
Ms. Acharon narrated that she found the first Southeast Asian Box Turtle while it was crossing the street in front of her family’s vacant lot on February 13, 2021. Three days later, while there is an ongoing construction of structure in her lot, one of her hired construction workers found another Southeast Asian Box Turtle while he was digging in the area allotted for drainage.
She said that at first, she wanted to take care of the turtles, but then found out later that the said wildlife should be turned over to proper agency handling wildlife species. She reported the incident to the Facebook page of PCSDS and a few days later turned over the turtles to the said agency.
The first turtle has a curved carapace length of 19.05 cms., a curved carapace width of 19.05 cms. and weighs 750 grams. The second turtle has a curved carapace length of 22.86 cms., a curved carapace width of 22.86 cms. and weighs 1.25 Kg.
The Southeast Asian Box Turtles are listed as “Endangered” species under PCSD Resolution No. 15-521. The PCSDS is urging persons who happen to find or rescue wildlife creatures to turn them over to their office, which can be contacted thru hotline numbers 0935-116-2336 (Globe/TM) and 0948-937-2200 (Smart/TNT). You may also send a message to their Facebook page for your concerns.
