Twelve hatchlings of hawksbill turtles were released into the sea of Sitio Pulong Paraiso, Brgy. Sta. Rosa, Mulanay, Quezon. The Local Government Unit of Mulanay, Quezon through its former Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Ma. Joelda A. Tadeja reported the sighting of the baby sea turtles.

According to the coastal residents, they saw the hatchlings crawling on the sand near their houses. They said they tried to trace their nest at the beach area were the turtle emerged but were unfortunate to find it. The residents picked them up one-by-one, transfered them into a tub, and called for assistance from the LGU, which was then relayed to the DENR-CENRO Catanauan via phone call. CENRO Catanauan personnel immediately responded and assisted the LGU in the release of the said sea turtles.

Hawksbill turtle is one of the five endangered species of marine turtle that can be found in the Philippines. The said wildlife is found in tropical waters around the world and spends its time in coral reefs, lagoons, mangroves, and shallow coastal areas.

Named for its narrow head and sharp, bird-like beak, hawksbill turtles can reach into cracks and crevices of coral reefs looking for food. They feed almost exclusively on sponges. They are one of the smaller turtles, hence, protection and conservation of their habitats is necessary for them to successfully reproduce.

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Parent Category: News & Events
Category: Photo Releases
Published: 28 March 2023