Capitol PIU
Last March 17, 2025, another critically endangered reptile was released back to the sea under an initiative of the provincial government to protect and preserve the island’s endemic wildlife.
Started by the Cua administration several years ago, the Project Save Our Sea Turtles (SOS) has so far released three sea turtles accidentally caught by local fishermen this year.
The latest, a 35-kilogram Hawksbill sea turtle about 70 centimeters long, was surrendered to local authorities by Bote, Bato fishermen Romel, Cristopher and Christian, all surnamed Bozar, with the safe release coordinated with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
The provincial government has continued to encourage the public, especially fishermen and residents of coastal communities, to join the campaign in caring for marine wildlife, especially through the immediate reporting of caught wildlife to the provincial government, PENRO, DENR or the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
Among the personnel who are likely to respond to the reports are the recently deputized Wildlife Enforcement Officers of PENRO Catanduanes, some of whom will be assigned at the province’s ports and airport to implement all existing wildlife law s, rules and regulations, particularly on wildlife trafficking.
Aside from birds, some species of threatened flora are often collected in the mountains and transported or sold to collectors.
Listed by DENR as critically endangered or facing extreme risk of extinction in the woild are endemic trees such as Dipterocarp species Yakal and Dalingdingan, Apilig or iron wood, and the Staghorn fern.
Considered as endangered trees are Guijo, Mayapis, Tindalo and Molave while the Jade vine also belongs to the same category.
On the other hand, Dao, Broad-winged Apitong, White Lauan, Tanguile, Red Lauan, Narig, Manggachapoi, Kamagong, Ipil, Narra, Banuyo and Malabayabas are in the vulnerable list.
Classified as other wildlife or threatened species are Amugis, Abiki, Anahaw, Palasan, Limuran, Piling Liitan, Poli, Katmon, Bagtikan, Medinilla and Dangula.