Note:
I took the video of this Green Sea turtle just this morning at the Environmental Institute and Marine Sciences Laboratory, Silliman University after the 350 run for the Mangrove Forest. The Green Sea Turtle(Chelonia mydas) is the common English name. It is name such because its fats is colored green. It is recognized as an endangered species By International Union of Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and is listed in The Philippine Red Data Book as one of the endangered species that we have here in the Philippines. This turtle has many local names but is generally called "Pawikan" in many dialects. Some names are: Talisayon/Magdarahit/Magdarait = Bicol; Bildog = Isabela, Daranawan/Wara-cara = Samar; Kutuan = Kuyo, Palawan; Pudno = Tausog and Samal; Puyukan = Mapon; Tortuga = Zamboanga and Basilan; Katuan = Zamboanga del Sur. They are solitary and migratory. The distribution of this turtle is around the Philippines. They are carnivorous when young but are exclusively vegetarian when adult. This turtle is dimorphic: when adult the male has longer tail (extending far beyond the exterior of its carapace) than the female. The sexual distinction of this species by external examination is only possible when it is adult. Courtship and mating of turtles happen near nesting sites (beaches). Their copulation usually lasts between 2 to 193 hours and is attended by several males.
Their population is threatened because of its economic importance (its meat, egg, and carapace are sold for food and crafts), wildlife trade, illegal fishing, uncontrolled predation, tourism and coastal development, ingestion of marine debris and plastic wastes.
How can we help?
1. Do not kill or injure our marine turtles.
2. Don't practice illegal fishing.
3. Do not gather their eggs and do not buy them for pets, decoration (carapace) and for food (to discourage wildlife trade and hunting).
4. Report people engaged in these illegal activities to the PCP-PAWB or to the DENR regional offices and other concerned agencies.
5. Do not litter or throw garbage in their habitat
6. If you see a turtle with metal tags/tags on the trailing edge of its front flippers, write down the serial number and species. Include also the date and place the turtle was spotted. NEVER REMOVE THE TAG! Then send the information to Pawikan Conservation Project, Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau, NAPWNC, Quezon Avenue, Q.C., 1100 or in their site for more information (http://www.pawb.gov.ph/).
Let them be free in the ocean...
