Critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle found dead in Bohol town

A dead hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata), a critically endangered species, was discovered stranded along the shores of Barangay Madua Norte, Duero, Bohol on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 3. —PHOTO COURTESY OF BOHOL PROVINCIAL ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT OFFICE

TAGBILARAN CITY, BOHOL, Philippines — A critically endangered hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) was found dead along the shoreline of Barangay Madua Norte in Duero town, Bohol, on Wednesday afternoon.

The Bohol Provincial Environment and Management Office reported that the Municipal Agriculture Office in Duero responded to the scene and recovered the turtle, which measured 74 centimeters in length and 61 cm in width.

Authorities confirmed that the turtle’s carcass appeared to be freshly deceased when discovered.

READ: Help save endangered Hawksbill turtles

An initial assessment revealed concerning signs of trauma: The turtle had bulging eyes, with blood seeping from its nose, eyes, and mouth. Red marks were also observed around its neck and between the carapace and fore flippers, suggesting possible injury or stress prior to death.

Following standard procedure, the remains were respectfully buried in the same barangay.

The hawksbill sea turtle is a protected species under Philippine law and is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), primarily due to habitat destruction, poaching, and accidental entanglement in fishing gear.