Weakened pawikan rescued in Cebu

An endangered pawikan (hawksbill turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata), believed to be about 30 years old, was rescued off Toledo City in Cebu province on Monday.

 

The turtle appeared weak when it was found by a fisherman and rescued by members of the Cebu Environment and Natural Resources Office, GMA Cebu's Vic Serna reported.

 

Following its rescue at Barangay Bato, the turtle was brought to the Marine Biology Laboratory in Mactan.

 

CENRO personnel are investigating signs the turtle may have been hit on the head, causing it to weaken.

 

Pawikan are believed to have a lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild. — Joel Locsin/TJD, GMA News