PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Environment authorities in Palawan have failed to save a female leatherback sea turtle that was found washed ashore in a coastal barangay in Roxas town.
Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) spokesperson Jovic Fabello said Friday that the leatherback sea turtle, which is considered a threatened species, was a female weighing around 250-300 kilograms.
It was found by local residents entangled in a net that holds a bamboo fish trap and had wounds on its scute or back shell covering.
“It got caught in a fishnet that holds together a bubo or bamboo fish trap,” he said.
He said wildlife rescuers of the Bantay Dagat tried to save it but failed.
“Six men carried the leatherback to shore to save it, it was so heavy, but unfortunately it was too late,” he said.
Fabello added it was unusual that a leatherback will find its way to the east coast as they normally journey in the western area to look for food.
Its remains are now under their custody for preservation, further study, and for educational purposes on wildlife protection.
In Palawan, five kinds of sea turtles can be found namely green turtles (Chelonia mydas), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), loggerheads (Caretta caretta), and leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea). (PNA)