Occidental Mindoro sees 1,609 Pawikan hatchlings, a record high
A Pawikan nest in Occidental Mindoro. Photo from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources -Mimaropa
MANILA, Philippines — Occidental Mindoro province saw over 1,600 hatchlings of Olive Ridley sea turtle, locally known as “Pawikan,” a record high number of the saltwater reptile brood considered a vulnerable species.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said its office in San Jose town found 34 nests of the species, whose scientific name is Lepidochelys olivacea, from November 2024 to the early days of March this year.
READ: Dead Olive Ridley sea turtle found in Quezon
The 34 nests contained 2,479 eggs, of which 1,609 hatchlings successfully emerged and were released, achieving a 64.90 percent hatching success rate for the first few months, already beating last year’s total.
On the other hand, 850 eggs (34.29 percent) remained undeveloped while 20 (0.81 percent) were found dead in the nest.
“Nesting activity has seen a significant increase compared to previous years,” the DENR-Mimaropa’s statement reads.
Year 2024 saw 1,598 eggs and 1,355 hatchlings; 2023 had 695 eggs with 401 hatchlings; while 2022 only saw 381 eggs and 323 hatchlings.
The Pawikan, which has an olive green heart-shaped shell, is among the smallest sea turtles. It is found primarily in the tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans, according to the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa).
Noaa also said the number of Olive Ridleys is greatly reduced from historical estimates due to overexploitation primarily for its meat and eggs.
The DENR said while the Pawikan population has been increasing, it is still a threatened species.
“Despite this conservation success, marine turtles still face threats, including habitat obstruction from residential structures, stray animals, fishing net entanglement, and solid waste pollution,” it added.
The agency urges the public to report any sightings of Pawikan to local authorities to help protect the creatures. With reports from Keith Irish Margareth Clores, 黑料社 intern
