The pawikan (sea turtle), is a native reptile found in coastal areas of San Jose, especially in Brgy. Funda-Dalipe, Mojon, Malaiba, and Barangay 4. These turtles nest on sandy beaches between August and December, with hatchlings mostly seen from October to November. Known for their hard, oval-shaped shells, pawikan play a vital role in maintaining healthy coral reefs and seagrass beds, thus supporting marine biodiversity. Local conservation efforts include rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs at the Pawikan Center in Funda-Dalipe, where community events and coastal cleanups help protect their habitats. Threats to pawikan include habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, climate change, and accidental capture in fishing gear. Collaborative efforts by local officials, environmental agencies, and volunteers work to safeguard these endangered turtles and raise public awareness through education and cleanup initiatives.
Domain:
Location/s:
Photo Credit/s:
Blanco, 2024
Mappers:
Medy Jane R. Blanco, April Lyn M. Genovea
Tags:
Antique Philippines, , Brgy. Funda-Dalipe, Bycatch, Climate Change Impact, Coastal Areas, Coastal Cleanup, Community Events, Coral Reef Health, Endangered Species, Environmental Awareness, Fishing Gear Threats, Habitat Destruction, Habitat Protection, Hatchlings, Local Government Initiative, Malaiba, Marine Biodiversity, Marine Wildlife Protection, Mojon, Native Reptile, Nesting Season, Pawikan, Pawikan Center, Poaching Threat, Pollution, Rescue and Rehabilitation, San Jose, Sandy Beaches, Sea Turtle, Seagrass Beds, Turtle Conservation, Volunteer Programs, Western Visayas
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