TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here released five Asian box turtles back to their natural habitat in Sta. Margarita, Baggao, Cagayan as part of the World Wetland Day observance.
Before the release, these reptiles, classified as tortoises, were surrendered to the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Offices of Alcala and Solana. They were temporarily turned over to the Rogelio B. Baggayan Nature Park and Wildlife Center in Tuguegarao City, a temporary shelter for confiscated or surrendered wildlife, for proper care and treatment.
Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan said the Asian box turtles play a vital role in the ecosystem as they disperse seeds through the fruits and other forest plants that they eat, allowing natural regeneration of the forest lands.
“Freeing them could help maintain balance in the ecosystem and eventually help increase the germination rate of seeds through their droppings. They have a conservation status of ‘Other Threatened Species’ under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09 or the “Updated National List of Threatened Philippine Fauna and their Categories,” she said.
Bambalan continuously appeals to the public for the conservation and protection of wildlife, including turtles.
In coordination with the residents, Alcala CENR Officer Zelda Vasquez, Conservation and Development Division Chief Vida Lumame, Wildlife Resources Permitting Section Chief Teresita Rivera, and other DENR staff spearheaded the release of the tortoises. (OTB/PIA region 2 with reports from DENR)