SAN JOSE, Antique – Seventy baby turtles or hatchlings were released to the sea in Barangay Fund Dalipe on Saturday, Aug. 28.
This morning, 85 more will be released, according to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).
“Amo dyan ang ila nga lugar nga ginapangitlogan. Pirme sanda diri kang una. Amo na nga gusto namon magbalik,” said Mayor Elmer Untaran.
The coastal barangay of Funda Dalipe has long been known as a nesting area of various species of marine turtles.
Some two months ago, barangay residents discovered lots of turtle eggs. They agreed to protect them and let them hatch.
Untaran cited the residents for taking such action and urged others to do the same.
“Kon may makita sanda nga mga itlog ukon baby turtles, i-report lang nila sa MENRO naton. Kag daad maghatag dya awareness sa aton kasimanwa nga amligan ang mga endangered species naton,” said Untaran.
There are seven existing species of sea turtles in the world: green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, olive ridley sea turtle, hawksbill sea turtle, flatback sea turtle, and leatherback sea turtle.
Sea turtles can be separated into the categories of hard-shelled (cheloniid) and leathery-shelled (dermochelyid). There is only one dermochelyid species – the leatherback sea turtle.
Sea turtles can be found in all oceans except for the polar regions. They migrate to reach their spawning beaches, which are limited in numbers. Living in the ocean therefore means they usually migrate over large distances.
All sea turtles have large body sizes, which is helpful for moving large distances. Large body sizes also offer good protection against the large predators (notably sharks) found in the ocean.
As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, human activity on all beaches has virtually ceased, resulting in an increase in sea turtle nesting./PN
