Endangered giant softshell turtle released back into Apayao River

A critically endangered Cantor’s giant softshell turtle was released back into the Apayao River on March 19 in Barangay San Antonio, Pudtol after a week under the care of environmental authorities.

The turtle, a female later named “Malaya,” was first recovered on March 12 when a fisherman accidentally caught it along the river. The resident turned it over to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Pudtol and later to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), allowing proper documentation and medical assessment before its release.

DENR clarified that the rescued turtle is not the invasive Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), which is commonly found in rice fields, irrigation systems, and other disturbed environments.

Instead, the animal belongs to the native Cantor’s giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys cantorii), a species that depends on clean, undisturbed river systems and is rarely encountered in the wild.

The turtle underwent initial examination by the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) and was later brought to Laoag City for further evaluation. It was returned to Apayao for monitoring prior to release.

DENR-CENRO Calanasan officer-in-charge Dorothy Cayaba said the encounter adds to the limited records of the species in the country. “Manmano paylang iti makaammo iti kasta a klase nga pag-ong, lalo ditoy Apayao,” Cayaba said.

She also noted that the turtle is female and believed to be carrying eggs.

“Maysa pay nga kapatgan, daytoy a higante a pag-ong ket masapol nga paludasan ngamin babae ken patyen nga addan nginginawen na itlog. No agballigi daytoy, mabalin a daytoy ti mangrugi iti baro a henerasyon ditoy karayan tayo,” she said.

Vice Governor Kyle Mariah Chelsea Bulut-Cunan, who led the release, said the activity highlights the importance of protecting local biodiversity. “The turtle represents life, strength, and quiet power,” she said.

Following the release, LGU Pudtol identified a portion of the river in Barangay San Antonio as a sanctuary area, supported by local measures and the conduct of the “Lapat” ritual, an indigenous practice that restricts human activity in selected sites.

DENR–CAR Regional Director Paquito Moreno reminded the public that the species is protected under Republic Act 9147. “Sangkamaysa tayo nga mangaywan ken agtalinaed tayo a bantay dagiti karkarayan,” Moreno said.

The release coincided with World Water Day, drawing attention to the condition of freshwater systems that support both communities and wildlife.