Only Chinese softshell turtles can be collected from the wild

MANILA, Philippines - The Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) warned the public that only Chinese softshell turtles can be collected from the wild, and not the indigenous species.

Wildlife regulations do not prohibit the collection from the wild of Chinese softshell turtles which are considered invasive alien species.

“This is for the purpose of ensuring that populations of these species do not exceed ecological limits to the detriment of Philippine wildlife as well as local livelihood and industries,” PAWB Director Theresa Mundita Lim said.           

When supported by technical and scientific advice from the Regional Wildlife Management Committee, Lim said the DENR regional executive director “may allow Filipino citizens, or corporations, partnerships, cooperatives or associations, 60 percent of the capital of which is owned by Filipinos, to collect Chinese softshell turtles for direct export purposes.”               

In a recent PAWB bulletin, Lim said that since the Chinese softshell turtle is an invasive alien species, its “disposition is to be limited to direct export, euthanasia, and donation to non-profit charitable organizations for use as food, as deemed fit based on assessment by proper health authorities.”

Chinese softshell turtles, according to Lim, have proliferated in certain wetlands and other areas of the country, including those devoted to aquaculture.

The species is abundant in Pampanga and has likely established populations in Rizal, Bulacan, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, and Mindoro.               

“The overpopulation of Chinese softshell turtles poses a potentially significant threat to Philippine endemic and indigenous fish and aquatic animals as well as to local fishponds and fishery operations,” she said.               

Lim said the introduction of Chinese softshell turtles to wetlands and other areas of the country is unauthorized, illegal and punishable with imprisonment of up to eight years and a fine of up to P5 million, or both. “Consequently, all Chinese softshell turtles in the wild shall be ipso facto forfeited in favor of the government,” she said.   

Although the collection of Chinese softshell turtles is not prohibited, the PAWB said holders of previously issued wildlife permits or certificates for the collection or possession of Chinese softshell turtles are subject to stricter monitoring and reporting requirements.