How Much Is Turtle in Philippines
When it comes to exotic pets, turtles often come to mind. But one common question about turtle ownership that arises is – how much does a pet turtle cost in Philippines?
A pet turtle in the Philippines can cost anywhere between 200 and 5000 PHP, depending on the breed and size. Rarer species can fetch much higher prices, up to about 50,000 PHP.
Interested in the specifics? Stay tuned as we dive into details on turtle pricing in the Philippines, the factors contributing to the cost, and the breeds available for adoption.
A Glimpse through the Shell: Understanding Turtles
Before getting into the heart of the matter, let’s take a moment to gain a deeper understanding of these wonderful creatures. Turtles are complicated and fascinating creatures that conjure a range of emotions from curiosity to absolute amazement. They are stoic survivors from prehistoric times who traverse both land and sea; quiet yet observant, appearing lethargic but amazingly swift when the situation demands it.
Marine Turtles: Philippines’ Aquatic Pride
The Philippines takes immense pride in its diverse marine life and amongst that, the marine turtles hold a very special place. These aquatic wonders are inherent to the Philippines, with 5 out of 7 known species of marine turtles living in the warmer waters of the archipelago. These species include the Hawksbill turtle, the Green turtle, the Olive Ridley turtle, the Loggerhead turtle, and the Leatherback turtle. The cost of a marine turtle usually depends on the species, size, and health condition. The price can range from 5,000 PHP to 15,000 PHP.
Land Turtles: The Introverted Extroverts
The story of the land turtles is as intricate and colored as their marine counterparts. Their pace of life might be slow, but their existence is a living testament to the evolutionary survival game. The price range of land turtles also varies similarly, primarily based on species, size, and health condition.
Box Turtle: The Concealed Beauty
The Box turtle or “Balokok” as it’s locally known encompasses different turtle species of the genus Terrapene and Cuora. These medium-sized turtles are known for their highly domed shell. They usually can cost between 1,500 PHP to 3,500 PHP.
Red Eared Slider: The Popular Chaps
The Red Eared Sliders are the most popular turtles in the pet world. These semi-aquatic turtles are indigenous to the southeastern region of the United States. But due to their vibrant color and interactive nature, they are relished worldwide as pets, including in the Philippines. The typical cost for a Red Eared Slider can range from 600 PHP to 2,500 PHP.
Sulcata Tortoise: The Gentle Giants
Sulcata Tortoises, also known as African Spurred Tortoises, are the third-largest species of tortoise in the world. Despite their intimidating size, they are gentle and calm creatures. The cost of Sulcata Tortoises can range anywhere between 8,000 PHP to 50,000 PHP, depending on the age and size.
Decoding the Price of Turtles in the Philippines
While considering the cost of turtles in the Philippines, it is pivotal to note that numerous factors go into the determination of their cost. Both the species and the age of the turtle can greatly affect how much one is priced at. Let’s delve a little deeper into each of these aspects.
Species Specificity: Deciding the Price Tag
The specific species of the turtle in question highly influences its price tag. The Philippines is home to a diverse range of turtles, each available at a different cost due to variation in demand, rarity, and maintenance needs.
Endangered Turtles: A Price for Rarity
As expected, endangered species of turtles tend to command higher prices due to their rarity. For example, the critically endangered Philippine forest turtle could cost anywhere between 10,000 to 15,000 PHP, making it one of the more expensive options. This is largely due to the protections and conservation efforts in place for these species that limit their availability and trade.
Common Turtles: Affordability in Abundance
On the other hand, common turtle species like the red-eared sliders are more affordable. Given their widespread availability, one of these turtles would likely cost around 800 to 1,500 PHP. These turtles are quite popular among beginners due to both their affordability and ease of maintenance.
Age and Size: Factors in Valuation
Apart from the species, the age and size of the turtle also play an important role in determining its value. Larger and older turtles tend to be more expensive than their smaller, juvenile counterparts. This is due to the increased care and resources required to raise a turtle to maturity, which subsequently boosts its price tag.
Overall, while purchasing a turtle in the Philippines, expect to pay anywhere between a few hundred to several thousands of PHP, depending on the species, size, and age of the turtle. Remember to consider the ongoing costs of care and maintenance, as these will definitely add to your total pet budget in the long run.
The Cost of Turtle Care
When considering buying a turtle in the Philippines, it’s not just the initial purchase price you need to think about. The cost of turtle care is an essential element that includes captivity requirements, dietary needs, and healthcare expenses. It is critical to fully understand these costs prior to committing to this long-term responsibility.
Captivity Requirements: Turtles Under the Roof
First of all, your turtle will need a proper habitat. This cost varies depending on the type and size of the turtle. For a small-to-medium sized turtle, an aquarium with water and land areas, along with essential heating, lighting, and filtration systems will cost around Php3,000 – Php5,000. Larger turtles need more space and might require specialized habitats, which can cost significantly more.
Housing Costs: Making Space for Shell
Shelter for your turtle also involves investing in woodchips or soft sands for them to burrow, as well as a basking area where they can catch some sun. This setup can set you back by about Php500 to Php2,000 additionally. Furthermore, your turtle’s habitat will need consistent cleaning and occasional replacement of essential elements, such as filters and furnishing.
Dietary Expenses: Feeding the Omnivores
The dietary needs of turtles are highly varied, but most are omnivorous and need a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and proteins. High-quality turtle food, such as pellets, can cost around Php200 to Php500 per month, depending on the size and appetite of your turtle. Additional treats like fresh fruits, vegetables, and insects will also contribute to the monthly expenses.
Healthcare Charges: The Veterinary Visits
Just like any other pet, turtles require regular veterinary care. An essential aspect of that care includes routine check-ups and vaccinations when needed.
Regular Checkups: Prevention Over Cure
A typical veterinary visit in the Philippines would cost around Php500 to Php1,500. Regular check-ups help ensure turtles are in good health and help in early detection of common turtle diseases such as respiratory infections, shell infections, or parasites.
Disease Treatments: Tackling the Unexpected
Despite the best care and management, your turtle might still fall ill. In such cases, the cost of treatment can escalate quickly, especially if specialized care or surgical interventions are required. The cost of such treatments can vary widely, but ensure you have a budget to cover these unexpected expenses.
Adopt or Buy: Weighing the Options
When considering getting a turtle as a pet in the Philippines, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether you wish to adopt or buy your shelled friend. Both options have their own advantages and drawbacks to consider.
Adoption Pros & Cons: Giving a Turtle a Second Chance
Adoption can be a rewarding experience, offering a second chance at life for a turtle that has been abandoned or mistreated. Adoption fees can vary widely but are typically much lower than buying a new pet, at around 1,000 to 3,000 pesos on average. This fee normally covers the cost of prior medical treatments and care provided by the shelter or rescue group.
Adoption also allows you to bypass the pet shop, meaning you won’t be indirectly supporting the often cruel practices of the exotic pet trade. However, one downside of adopting a pet turtle is that they may arrive with existing health issues or behavioral problems due to their past experiences. You might also have less choice on the species or the age of the turtle, as it largely depends on the animals available at the shelter or rescue group.
Purchase Pros & Cons: Picking Your Favorite Pal
On the other hand, buying a turtle allows you to choose your preferred species and, in many cases, the age of your new pet. Young turtles, for instance, can be trained more easily and they generally have fewer health problems.
The cost of buying a turtle can vary depending on the species and size. Popular species like the Red-Eared Slider can be bought for approximately 500 pesos for young ones and up to 4,000 pesos for adult ones. More exotic or rarer species can fetch a much larger price tag, with prices reaching up to 20,000 pesos or more.
However, it’s important to consider the ethical implications of buying a pet turtle. Many turtles are captured from the wild and sold into the pet trade, which can be disruptive to their natural population and local ecosystems. Additionally, conditions at pet stores can sometimes be less than ideal, with overstocked tanks and inadequate care being common complaints. Therefore, if you choose to buy, make sure to do so from reputable breeders who practice ethical breeding methods.
Legalities: Philippine Laws on Turtle Trade
In the Philippines, the buying and selling of turtles, like many other wildlife species, isn’t as simple as it may seem. It’s crucial to first understand that the sale of turtles is regulated by certain Philippine laws, forming a significant part of the wildlife trade regulations. This is true whether you’re interested in acquiring a pet turtle, or are venturing into turtle breeding business.
The Republic Act 9147 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act” is the primary legal framework governing the wildlife trade in the Philippines. According to this Act, collection and trade of wildlife in the country are strictly monitored and regulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Under Section 27 of the RA 9147, it is illegal to kill or harm wildlife species, their by-products and derivatives. This also includes trading, collecting, hunting or possessing wildlife, their by-products, and derivatives, especially the threatened ones, without necessary permission from the DENR. Penalties range from six months to two years of imprisonment and a fine of Php20,000 to Php200,000.
More so, some turtle species in the Philippines, like the Philippine Forest Turtle or the Palawan Turtle, are listed as critically endangered according to the IUCN Red List. Any illegal trade or harm caused to these species can result in severe penalties, including higher fines and longer prison sentences.
Furthermore, international laws apply as well. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) restricts or even bans the trading of specific turtle species internationally. As a member of the CITES, the Philippines enforces this convention. Thus, make sure to get the necessary permits and ensure the legality of the turtle species you plan to acquire, to avoid any legal issues in the future.
FAQs: Quick Answers to Your Turtle Queries
New and prospective turtle owners often have loads of questions about the cost of owning a turtle, especially in countries like the Philippines, where market prices may differ significantly compared to other regions.
Question 1: How much does a turtle cost in the Philippines?
In the Philippines, the price of a turtle can significantly vary depending on its species and age. The price of a common red-eared slider turtle, for instance, can range from PHP 200 to PHP 2,000. More exotic and rare species like the Sulcata tortoise, on the other hand, can be priced anywhere from PHP 5,000 up to PHP 20,000 or more.
Question 2: What about the cost of turtle food?
The cost of turtle food can also vary depending on the size, species, and diet preferences of the turtle. On average, expect to spend around PHP 400 to PHP 800 per month.
Question 3: How much would a turtle habitat setup cost in the Philippines?
For a basic turtle tank setup including a tank, light, filter, and heater, the cost can range from PHP 2,000 to PHP 10,000 depending on the size of the tank and the quality of the equipment. A more sophisticated setup, however, could cost more.
Question 4: Are there any additional costs for turtle care?
Yes! As with any pet, you may also need to consider initial health checks and periodic vet expenses which could range from PHP 500 to PHP 1,500 per visit. Moreover, you need to factor in the costs of accessories like rocks, ramps, or plants which might need replacement over time.
Question 5: Is it legal to keep a turtle as a pet in the Philippines?
Yes, it’s generally legal to own a turtle in the Philippines. However, it’s crucial to make sure that the turtle you’re buying wasn’t illegally captured from the wild. A reputable pet store or breeder should be able to provide proof that the turtle was bred in captivity.
Please note that these costs are estimates and may vary from store to store. Also, remember that owning a pet is a long-term commitment that involves more than just upfront costs.
Resources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9454601/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7815466/
- https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/reptiles/what-largest-sea-turtle-sea-turtle-size-comparison-chart
