A fisherman in Apayao caught a rare Cantor’s giant softshell turtle in the Apayao River and handed it over to local authorities for care, officials said.
The turtle, a critically endangered freshwater species, was examined by the DENR-CENRO Calanasan team. Authorities discovered it was carrying eggs and believe more of the species may live in the river if properly protected.
DENR-CENRO Calanasan said this is the first documented sighting of the species in their area.
The turtle will remain under government care until it recovers fully and can be released back safely into its natural habitat.
