Remarkable Discovery: The Philippine Box Turtle Emerges as a New Species
janimonow posted: " A remarkable discovery has been made in Davao City, Philippines, where a new species of turtle, now known as the Philippine Box Turtle (Cuora philippinensis), has been identified. This discovery was initially sparked by the staff of the Philippine Eagl" THE MANILA JOURNAL
A remarkable discovery has been made in Davao City, Philippines, where a new species of turtle, now known as the Philippine Box Turtle (Cuora philippinensis), has been identified. This discovery was initially sparked by the staff of the Philippine Eagle Foundation, who originally believed the turtle to be a Southeast Asian box turtle. However, upon conducting a DNA analysis and reviewing the morphology of the turtles, it became apparent that these creatures were, in fact, a distinct species.
The Philippine Box Turtle is a small member of the Cuora species, measuring between 12 to 18 cm in straight carapace length. It is characterized by fine whitish head stripes and is found throughout the Philippine Islands, except for Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago. Despite its general abundance in many areas, Cuora philippinensis faces threats due to intense hunting for local consumption and export to China, leading to the heavy depletion of some populations.
The Philippine Eagle Foundation in ALI-Davao Carbon Forest plays a crucial role in protecting these newly described species from danger. Harold Kim Manla, a Forest Restoration marketing officer, emphasized the significance of the discovery for the Philippines, a hotspot for endemic species. He urged for increased efforts to safeguard the country's forests and create sanctuaries for its wildlife.
This discovery, which was published in the Russian Herpetology Journal, underlines the rich biodiversity of the Philippines and the importance of continued conservation efforts to protect its unique wildlife.
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