A critically endangered leatherback sea turtle, considered the world’s largest sea turtle species, was documented laying eggs along the shoreline of Barangay Kiobog in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Davao (DENR-11), the turtle was documented nesting on July 24, 2026 and sighted again on August 2, but no additional nesting activity was recorded.

The turtle is estimated to measure around 1.5 meters in length and weigh between 200 and 300 kilos.

“Field investigators reported that the turtle arrived at the nesting site at around 9:50 p.m. and completed the nesting process by 12:57 a.m.,” DENR-11 said.

Authorities added that the turtle remained healthy throughout the activity and exhibited no visible signs of injury or distress.

DENR-11 said that based on studies, leatherback sea turtles typically nest multiple times within a season, with intervals of about eight to 12 days between nesting events, and return to their nesting grounds every two to four years.

Barangay officials and community members were informed of the nest’s condition and the estimated hatching date, which is expected to be around September 22, 2026.

Barangay chairman Eligio Garte, Jr. then instructed personnel to strengthen monitoring and surveillance efforts to ensure the hatchlings emerge safely and are protected from potential threats.

DENR-11 said leatherback sea turtles are classified as critically endangered under DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2019-09.

Authorities added that leatherback turtles face a range of threats, including accidental entanglement in fishing gear, marine plastic pollution, coastal habitat loss and degradation, and the impacts of climate change.

“Every successful nesting event, sustained habitat protection and heightened public awareness, therefore represents a significant contribution to their conservation,” DENR-11 said.